Sultanhamet

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Nestled against the walls of the Topkapi Palace is a row of restored 19th century Ottoman town houses.   Because of  the Northern climate these wooden homes typically  had a cikma, or covered balcony projecting over the street.  The windows on the upper floors were covered with lattice so the ladies of  the house could see out without being seen.  Not many of these wooden structures survived and those that did are now mostly hotels.  Although it is now illegal to demolish one, the fire risk makes them difficult  to insure.
Anyone for a shoeshine?
And it wouldn't be Istanbul without the omnipresent carpet dealers.
Classic Bentley circa early 1950's, stands in front of a former prison.  Now the very up market Four Seasons Hotel. 

 From my morning shower on the forth floor of the neighbouring Empress Zoe hotel,  I could watch the young men putting up the deck chairs on the roof top garden of the hotel.  I guess in theory if I could see them going about their work, they could see me going about my ablutions but I figured I had the best of the bargain.  (I could always have closed the window of course!) 
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