The guide, but none of my immediate group showed up, and after waiting a decent 1/2 hour I decided they either had continued shopping or gone in a different direction. After backtracking to find them without success, even wandering through the "Blue Mosque" courtyards, I took off on my own and wandered back streets of old town, passing through an arts area which seemed to be selling paints, frames, paper, etc.
Every possible location is taken by vendors, and covered areas like road underpasses are especially in demand. Istanbul is very crowded today and the walk (and funicular ride) back to the hotel were jammed with people.
Topkapi was to me a crowded, touristy letdown. Most Asian palaces (Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand) impressed me much more from an art and architecture standpoint.
Topkapi entrance:
Compare to Cambodian version:
Rug:
Washing prior to prayer time at Mosque:
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