The harem is another fascinating part of Dolmabahce Palace, although the palace's exterior may seem Western, the lifestyle remained the same as usual. The harem was the residence of the sultan's family and was a highly structured and hierarchical society, with the Valide Sultan at the top and women living under the supervision of white or black eunuchs. The tour of the harem begins from the Entrance Hall, which is adorned with paintings of Istanbul's landscapes. Visitors are then taken through various rooms, including the Imperial Women's Hall, where religious holidays and special occasions for the sultan's children are celebrated. The decoration in the harem is stunning. As you walk along on your tour, you can see the Japanese Hall, adorned with sunflowers and Japanese motifs, which was used by the Valide Sultan. Visitors can see the Valide Sultan Bedroom, furnished in French-style cream lacquer for Pertevniyal Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Abdulaziz. The tour concludes with guest rooms furnished in different styles, including throne-like beds and iron-caged beds, before returning to the Muayede (Ceremonial Hall), which marks the point of separation between the public and private areas of the palace where the sultan's family lived.