Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ies were presented to the court. The sultan eavesdropped on proceedings through the gold
grille high in the wall.
Harem
This complex on the western side of the Second Court was the private quarters of the sul-
tans and their families. It features many opulently decorated bedchambers, reception
rooms, hamams and courtyards. Highlights include the Salon of the Valide, Imperial Hall,
Privy Chamber of Murat III, Privy Chamber of Ahmet III and Twin Kiosk/Apartments of
the Crown Prince.
Third Court
The Third Court is entered through the impressive
Gate of Felicity
, a rococo-style struc-
ture that was used for state ceremonies including the sultan's accession and funeral. Be-
hind it was the sultan's private domain, staffed and guarded by eunuchs.
Audience Chamber
Important officials and foreign ambassadors were brought to this pavilion for imperial
audiences. The sultan, seated on cushions embroidered with hundreds of seed pearls, in-
spected the ambassador's gifts and offerings as they were passed through the small door-
way on the left.
Library of Ahmet III
Directly behind the Audience Chamber is this pretty library, built in 1719 for Sultan Ah-
met III. Light-filled, it has comfortable reading areas and stunning inlaid woodwork.
Costume Collection
On the eastern edge of the Third Court is the Dormitory of the Expeditionary Force,
which now houses a rich collection of imperial robes, kaftans and uniforms worked in sil-
ver and gold thread. Also here is a fascinating collection of talismanic shirts, which were
believed to protect the wearer from enemies and misfortunes.
