This shot was taken by Darrin, we spent a good half day exploring this palace The palace was a setting for state occasions and royal entertainments and is a major tourist attraction today. The name directly translates as "Cannongate Palace," the palace being named after a nearby gate.
The palace is a complex made up of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. At the height of its existence as a royal residence the palace was home to as many as 4, people. The palace complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers, but only the most important are accessible to the public today. The complex is guarded by officials of the ministry as well as armed soldiers of the Turkish military.
The palace is full of examples of Ottoman architecture and also contains large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry. The park is a colourful mosaic marked by 22 miniature replicas of famous mosques and monuments from the Islamic countries showcasing the grandeurs of Islamic arts and architectures.
The island is divided into two zones. Zone 1 housed the 22 miniature mosques and monuments, souvenir shops, restaurant by the river and a recreational lake. Audio visual presentations and signage of the heritage and history provides interesting information for visitors. Zone 2 housed a commercial centre, a convention centre, a main square and an Islamic concept garden.
Tucked at the tip of the island is the glittering Crystal Mosque. Majestically constructed with crystal shine glass and steel overlooking the scenic Terengganu River, it is the iconic splendour and pride of Terengganu. The breathtaking view of the park with its colourful lightings of the mosques and monuments seen from the Terengganu Bridge is picture perfect with panoramic background, especially during sunset that add to the lustrous colour of nature at its best.
