Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Note that the visitor route through the Harem changes when rooms are closed for res-
toration or stabilisation, so some of the areas mentioned here may not be open during your
visit.
Entrance to the Imperial Council Chamber of Topkapı Palace
GREG ELMS/GETTY IMAGES ©
POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE
During the great days of the empire, foreign ambassadors were received at Topkapı on days when the janis-
saries (the sultan's personal bodyguard) were scheduled to receive their pay. Huge sacks of silver coins were
brought to the Imperial Council Chamber in the Second Court and court officers would dispense the coins to
long lines of the tough, impeccably costumed and faultlessly disciplined troops as the ambassadors looked
on in admiration.
The so-called Spoonmaker's Diamond in the Topkapı collection is one of the largest diamonds in the
world. According to legend, it was found in a rubbish dump in Eğrıkapı and purchased by a wily
street peddler for three spoons before eventually being purchased by a grand vizier and becoming
part of the Imperial Treasury.
Third Court
The Third Court is entered through the
Gate of Felicity
. The sultan's private domain, it
was staffed and guarded by white eunuchs. Inside is the
Audience Chamber
, constructed
in the 16th century but refurbished in the 18th century. Important officials and foreign am-
bassadors were brought to this little kiosk to conduct the high business of state. The sul-
tan, seated on divans with cushions embroidered with over 15,000 seed pearls, inspected
the ambassador's gifts and offerings as they were passed through the small doorway on
the left.
