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| The ''tolerans'' room |
Located opposite the Archaeological Museum, the Darphane-i Amire (Imperial Mint) is often passed over by visitors to the city. However, this fascinating complex is well worth a visit. The site hosts many cultural events and will soon become a museum.
Mehmet the Conqueror established the first imperial mint near Beyazıt Mosque.
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| The Carkhane room. |
A labyrinth of rooms
Let's enter the mint from its ''Gulhane'' gate on Sogukcesme. The 17,000m2 complex is a labyrinth of rooms. Our first stop is the M courtyard between K and G streets and courtyard E. This building is closed to the public as it is still functioning, serving as a press for important documents such as passports and share documents. The rooms next door host a wide range of events and exhibitions. The most interesting room is the Carkhane, formerly known as the Haddahane-the room where the money used to be minted. This is the largest room in the imperial mint.
The Istanbul Museum
The imperial mint moved to its current location in 1967, and the old building was taken over by the History Foundation of Turkey. Plans are under way to convert the Darphane buildings into Istanbul's first museum of urban history. It will be called the Istanbul Museum and serve as a cultural centre that will add to Sultanahmet's riches.| Helpful hints... |
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* 23/09-12/10: Cem Boyner's ''Far and Near'' show. * 22/10 - 18/12: Exhibition of ''Eyup Toys''. * 29/9 - 16/10: National Geographic will host an exhibition of McCurry photographs. * Address: Topkapı Palace 1. Courtyard Next to Haghia Eirene Tel: +90 212-513 20 35-513 50 82. |
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