Istanbul Guide

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Topkap × Palace DAILY LIFE IN THE IMPERIAL COURT A visit to this opulent palace compound, with its courtyards, harem and pavilions, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ottoman sultans. During its heyday, royal wives and children, concubines, eunuchs and servants were among the 4000 people living within Topkap × ’s walls. The sultans and their families rarely left the palace grounds, relying on courtiers and diplomats to bring them news of the outside world. Most visitors would go straight to the magnificent 1 Imperial Council Chamber , where the sultan’s grand vizier and Dîvân (Council) regularly met to discuss affairs of state and receive foreign dignitaries. Many of these visitors brought lavish gifts and tributes to embellish the 2 Imperial Treasury . After receiving any guests and meeting with the Dîvân, the grand vizier would make his way through the ornate 3 Gate of Felicity into the Third Court, the palace’s residential quarter. Here, he would brief the sultan on the deliberations and decisions of the Dîvân in the colonnaded 4 Audience Chamber . Meanwhile, day-to-day domestic chores and intrigues would be underway in the 5 Harem and servants would be preparing feasts in the massive 6 Palace Kitchens . Amid all this activity, the 7 Marble Terrace was a tranquil retreat where the sultan would come to relax, look out over the city and perhaps regret his sequestered lifestyle.

Harem The sultan, his mother and the crown prince had sumptuously decorated private apartments in the Harem. The most beautiful of these are the Twin Kiosks (pictured), which were used by the crown prince.

Harem Ticket O ՚ ce

Middle Gate

Aya Ģ rini

Imperial Gate

Imperial Council Chamber This is where the Dîvân (Council) made laws, citizens presented petitions and foreign dignitaries were presented to the court. The sultan sometimes eavesdropped on proceedings through the window with the golden grille.

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DON’T MISS There are spectacular views from the terrace above the Konyal × Restaurant and also from the Marble Terrace in the Fourth Court.