The Imperial Gate
The Imperial Gate (Bab-ı Humayun) is the main exterior gate of the Topkapi Palace, opening up to the Hagia Sophia Square and leading to a garden known as the First Court.
The First Courtyard
While you are entering through the Imperial Gate into the First Court, you will find yourself in the impressive Court of the Janissaries, also known as the Parade Court. On your left, you'll first come across the Hagia Irene Museum, a beautiful Byzantine church also known as Hagia Irene. Further along, you'll see the former Imperial Mint, known as Darphane-i Amire, which was constructed in 1727. This historic structure was used by the Ottoman Administration for currency production following the Tanzimat Reform.
The Second Courtyard
The Middle Gate, also known Bab-us Selam, was the entrance to the palace's Second Court, the administrative center of the empire. Only the sultan and the valide sultan were allowed through on horseback. The Second Court has a park-like setting and features pavilions, kitchens, barracks, audience chambers, kiosks, and sleeping quarters arranged around a central enclosure. The Palace Kitchens on the right hold a small portion of the Topkapi’s collection of Chinese celadon porcelain. The Imperial Council Chamber, clocks display room, and Outer Treasury are also located in the Second Court.
The Harem
The concept of the Harem has been a subject of much speculation and curiosity in the Western world. The term "Harem," which means "forbidden" in Arabic, refers to the private quarters of a Muslim household where women live and work. In traditional Muslim society, the privacy of the household was strictly observed, and respectable women did not socialize with men to whom they were not married or related. The practice of maintaining a formal Harem was limited to elite groups, typically in urban settings, due to the associated expenses.
The Harem typically consisted of up to four wives, as permitted by Islamic law, along with numerous concubines and servants. While the women of the Harem rarely left its confines, their influence was often significant in the political and economic affairs of the household, with each woman working to promote the interests of her children. The most famous Harems were those of the sultans, particularly the Ottoman Turkish rulers, where hundreds of women lived behind the palace walls.
The concept of the Harem was adopted by Ottoman sultans from the Byzantines, and it was not a practice among Turks before their arrival in Anatolia. The Harem was not merely a prison for the sultan's pleasure; rather, it served as the family quarters, overseen by the Valide Sultan (Queen Mother), who wielded significant influence over the affairs of the Harem and even the sultan.
The women in the Harem were of different classes, including servants, the sultan's servants, favourites, and wives giving children to the sultan. The Chief Black Eunuch played a crucial role in the Harem, being the only one privy to all its activities.
When a new sultan ascended to the throne, a new Harem would be established, leading to the dispersal of the former Harem. Some women would be sent to the old palace, while others would remain as teachers or be pensioned off.
The Third Courtyard
This courtyard of the palace is entered through the Gate of Felicity and was the sultan's private domain. It housed the Audience Chamber where important state matters were conducted, the Library of Ahmet III, and the Dormitory of the Expeditionary Force, which holds the palace's collection of imperial robes and uniforms. Additionally, the Third Court also contains the Sacred Safekeeping Rooms, decorated with Iznik tiles and housing relics of the Prophet, and the Dormitory of the Privy Chamber, which exhibits portraits of 36 sultans.
The Imperial Treasury
The Treasury at the Topkapi Palace, located on the eastern edge of the Third Court, contains a remarkable collection of items made from or decorated with precious materials. The building was originally constructed as reception rooms during Mehmet the Conqueror's reign in 1460. The Treasury's famous Topkapi Dagger, which was involved in a criminal heist in Jules Dassin’s 1964 film Topkapi. This dagger features three enormous emeralds on the hilt and a watch set into the pommel. Another notable item is the Kasikci (Spoonmaker’s) Diamond, an 86-carat teardrop-shaped jewel surrounded by numerous smaller stones, first worn by Mehmet IV at his accession to the throne in 1648.
The Fourth Courtyard
This courtyard includes the Mecidiye Kiosk, the Head Physician’s Pavilion, and the Kiosk of Mustafa Pasha. The Marble Terrace features a decorative pool, three pavilions, and the Iftariye Kameriyesi. The Revan Kiosk and Baghdad Kiosk are also notable structures in the area.