Cities And Memory

The recording of Istanbul’s 15th-century Topkapı Palace captures the heartbeat of a space steeped in history and legacy. Once the administrative core and residence of Ottoman sultans, this iconic palace now serves as a museum and library, inviting the world to step into its grandeur. The palace’s atmosphere unfolds here - a vivid collage of layered sounds. Visitors murmur in countless languages, their footsteps weaving through the courtyards. Tour guides narrate centuries-old stories, while distant echoes of scripture readings and archival texts enrich the air, connecting past to present. A moment of singing drifts gently, adding a spiritual tone that feels timeless and poignant, a reminder of the palace’s role as a place of governance and reflection. Listening to this, one can feel the profound duality of Topkapı - its' serenity mingling with the bustling energy of the modern world. For me, the soundscape evokes a sense of awe. It’s as though the walls hold their breath, still resonating with the lives, de