In Constantinople, ordinary people are not allowed to enter the Sultan’s treasury. Only the families of foreign diplomats may be allowed to visit. No Turkish citizen, and especially no one who speaks or understands the Turkish language, is ever admitted. The reason for this rule is fear. The Sultan’s advisors worry that someone might reveal the secret of the vast riches inside. They fear that this knowledge could attract thieves or cause anger among the poor people of the city.
The Sultan often tells visitors that he has no money. But if they knew about the diamonds, pearls, emeralds, and gold hidden in his palace, they might ask him to sell some of these riches to help the country or its people. Most Turkish citizens have no idea what is stored in the treasury. In fact, even many people who work in the Sultan’s household have never seen the collection themselves Private Sofia Tours.
A Legacy of Gifts and War Prizes
The items in the treasury come from many different sources. Some are gifts from foreign rulers or wealthy guests. Others are war trophies—precious items taken after battles. Many of the objects have been passed down from Sultan to Sultan over nearly 28 generations. Some people claim that the collection has never been touched or changed, but that is not completely true.
Even when the Sultan needs money, he refuses to sell anything from the treasury. However, he sometimes gives away small items, like a single jewel or an ornament, as a gift to a visitor or a friend. These items are chosen carefully so that their absence is not noticed.
A Crowded and Unorganized Display
Compared to other royal treasuries in the world, the Sultan’s collection is incredibly rich but poorly displayed. The only other collection that compares in size is in the Kremlin in Moscow, but the Kremlin’s treasures are spread out in a larger space and arranged beautifully for visitors to admire Fire and Neglect in the Ancient Buildings.
In contrast, the Sultan’s treasures are packed into just two small rooms. There is little effort to display the items with care. Precious objects like jewels, seals, and decorations are simply kept in large bowls, similar to salad bowls. These bowls hold up to a couple of gallons and are filled with loose diamonds, emeralds, rubies, turquoise, and other gemstones. In total, there are about five of these bowls, which may contain nearly half a bushel of precious stones.
The Largest Emeralds in the World?
One of the most stunning parts of the collection is a group of large emeralds. One of them weighs two kilograms, and another is almost the same size. These massive stones are believed to be the largest emeralds in the world. Alongside them sits a tray filled with unmounted pearls, about 12 by 15 inches in size, glittering with beauty.
Hidden Wealth in a City of Need
While the city of Constantinople suffers from poverty and decay in many areas, these hidden treasures remain unseen by most and untouched by time. They show the great wealth once held by the Ottoman Empire—now locked away behind walls, known only to a few, and surrounded by mystery.
