March 26: More Istanbul
Wooden houses
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Nestled against the walls of the Topkapi Palace is a row of restored 19th century Ottoman town houses. Because of the Northern climate these wooden homes typically had a cikma, or covered balcony projecting over the street. The windows on the upper floors were covered with lattice so the ladies of the house could see out without being seen. Not many of these wooden structures survived and those that did are now mostly hotels. Although it is now illegal to demolish one, the fire risk makes them difficult to insure.