Topkapı Palace

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/topkap-palace

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the location?Fatih district, Istanbul, Turkey
2. What is the year construction began?1459
3. Why was Topkapı Palace built on Seraglio Point?The location gave great views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, and it was good for defense and showing the Sultan's power.
4. How did Topkapı Palace change after earthquakes and fires?After the 1509 earthquake and the 1665 fire, the palace was repaired and expanded so it could keep its beauty and function.

Constantinople: The historical name for Istanbul, the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
Ottoman Empire: A vast, transcontinental empire that existed from the late 13th century to the early 20th century.
Imperial Council (Divan-ı Hümayun): The principal state council of the Ottoman Empire, responsible for advising the Sultan.
Harem: The private, secluded quarters of a palace or house, typically for the women of the family.