Topkapi Palace

The Ottoman Sultan Mehmet, also known as the conqueror, built the Topkapi Palace, situated in Istanbul. This construction took place in 1478, and since then several small repairs have been undertaken to preserve its formidable appearance. For the most part it was the home to the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, though foreigners and other such people were sometimes allowed to enter for representative purpose (namely to show off their wealth to visiting ambassadors). It was only opened to the public in 1924, although some thought had been put to it some time earlier.
Main sections to the Palace include the sultanate gate, four courtyards, and the harem (the private apartments to the royal family). The elaborate detail that is the greatest beauty of this Palace displays the appreciable arts culture and wealth that had been accumulated by the Ottomans. An example is to the left. The artistic ability and sheer number of artisans necessary to do such work is staggering. That is all without mentioning that each of these artists needed pay and materials as well. If an ambassador from another empire needed any proof of affluence they would have beheld it in this palace. This would immediately win political respect and interest. Perhaps the visitor might see this as incentive for an attack, but most likely it would be evidence of dominance in wealth, culture, and numbers. In terms of social presence, any Palace has its own hierarchy and interaction between inmates more than provides for this element of SPECS. Visitors could also exchange ideas or knowledge here if it became a center to the community. In any case, such a palace would always be of great importance as the focus of power in the Ottoman Empire, if only because it was home to the sultan.

Here is a map of the palace, which indicates important landmarks surrounding it.