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The Imperial Harem (Harem-i Hümayûn) at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, was the location of the private apartments of the Ottoman sultans. It also housed the Queen Mother (Valide Sultan), his children, concubines, wives, and their servants.
Added to the palace in the late 16th century, there are over 400 rooms in the Harem but only a handful are open to the public. Many rooms were designed by Mimar Sinan (1490-1588). Other sections of the Harem never before seen by the public will open to visitors in the future.
Visiting the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace
Foreigners can visit the Imperial Harem on a combination ticket to the palace, Harem, and Hagia Eirine for 1,500₺, or free with a Museum Pass Istanbul (as of March 2024).
The hours for the Harem are the same as the rest of the palace, daily except Tuesdays. The tourist entrance is in the 2nd Courtyard of Topkapi Palace next to the Tower of Justice. The exit opens to the 3rd Courtyard.
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Entrance to the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace
Self-guided tours start at the Dormitories of the Halberdiers with Tresses. The path leads down a stairway. It’s possible to see the rooftops and the narrow courtyard of the dormitories while walking down.
Dormitories of the Halberdiers with Tresses
The Dormitories of the Halberdiers with Tresses (Zülüflü Baltacılar Koğuşu) is the first section visited in the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace. Halberdiers (baltacılar) were soldiers and servants responsible for carrying wood to the palace, cleaning and serving in the Harem, moving the Sultan’s throne, and carrying the coffins of the Sultan and his family during funerals. They wore two long tresses that hung down under their headdresses to prevent them from viewing their surroundings while on duty.
The halberdiers, which numbered between 120 and 200, were first mentioned around 1527 when they were enlisted to clear roads ahead of the army for a military campaign. The dormitory was founded in the 15th century and took its current shape under Süleyman the Magnificent.
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Courtyard
At the bottom of the stairs, you’ll enter the courtyard. It’s surrounded by a barracks, mosque, hamam, and smoking room. Unlike the rest of the palace, this section is made entirely of wood and painted red and green.
Barracks
On the left side are the barracks. The wall under the portico is decorated with beautiful late 16th and early 17th century Iznık tiles. Most of the inscriptions are records of endowments to the halberdiers corps, while another details repairs carried out by Davud Ağa (d. 1599) in 1587, during the reign of Murad III. The tughra (signature) of Murad III is next to the door.
Inside are two levels with a heating lamp hanging from the center. Veteran halberdiers would get to sleep on the upper level in order to get more heat, especially in winter. The walls are decorated Iznık tiles and there’s a fireplace at one end.
Halberdiers’ Mosque
Across from the barracks is the two-story Halberdiers’ Mosque (Baltacılar Cami). The façade is covered in plaster imitating the pattern of a stone and brick wall. Inscriptions around the entrance detail donations to the mosque, while “There is no god but God” is inscribed above the door. Also on the façade is a painting of a mosque, likely added during repairs in the 18th century. The mihrab is decorated with 16th century Iznik tiles.
During all of my visits, the mosque has been closed to visitors. I was only able to peek in and see the stairs and part of the lower level.
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Hamam
At the end of the courtyard past the mosque is the hamam, which has two sections. The first section is a domed changing area with niches. The second section is the bathing area with fountains, basins, and niches.
Between the entrance to the hamam and the mosque, a section has been cut away for visitors to see the furnace used to heat the hamam.
Pipe Room
Finally, across from the hamam is the Pipe Room. Outside, there are a few cupboards and a coffee kitchen. A mannequin is shown making Turkish coffee.
The Pipe Room demonstrates the importance of tobacco in the palace, which grew in popularity during the 17th century, and the strict protocol around smoking. The Chief Tobacco Attendant (Tütüncübaşı) provided pipes and water-pipes for the palace while the 10 Imperial Pipe Attendants (hassa cubukçusu) prepared and cleaned the pipes, ensured the coals wouldn’t burn the floor, cleaned the ashtrays (takatuka), and prepared tobacco blends. They were supervised by the Chief Pipe Attendant (Çubukçubaşı) who prepared and served the pipe bowls. The Pipe Lighter (ateşçi) would carry the embers. Smokers would hold the pipes with their left hands and use their right hands to drink coffee or sherbet, or to count prayer beads.
The inscriptions on the wall of the Pipe Room detail donations made to the halberdiers corps as well as repairs carried out. They all date to the early 19th century.
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Horse Ramp
When the Sultan wanted to leave the Imperial Harem in disguise, he used the Horse Ramp (At Rampası). It dates to the second half of the 15th century during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror, who would use it to access the Tiled Kiosk (Çinili Köşk).
To leave the palace and mingle with his subjects, the Sultan would dress as a dervish or a merchant, leave through the Gate of the Shawl (Şal Kapısı), and ride down to the city. According to palace records, the sultans who used the ramp most frequently for this purpose were Murad IV, Ibrahim, Mustafa III, and Mahmud II. Security measures were extremely strict.
The Horse Ramp, also known as the Great Embarkation (Büyük Biniş), opened to the public for the first time on September 18, 2020. It’s accessed after visiting the Dormitories of the Halberdiers with Tresses.
Gate of the Shawl
At the lower end of the Horse Ramp is the Gate of the Shawl (Şal Kapısı). Visitors pass through the gate from the Dormitories of the Halberdiers with Tresses to access the Horse Ramp.
Court of the Head Slave of the Door
Directly opposite the upper door of the Gate of the Shawl is the Court of the Head Slave of the Door (Baş Kapı Gulamı Dairesi). The Head Slave of the Door was a slave soldier who oversaw the comings and goings of the Sultan.
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Music School
Built directly above the Court of the Head Slave of the Door is the Music School (Meşkhane). It was built during the reign of Süleyman the Magnificent. Pupils received their education from musicians living outside the palace. The school was open all day and only closed at night.
Inside the Music School, you’ll find photos detailing the restoration of the building as well as a panel with original decorations.
Hamam of the Eunuchs
Next door to the Music School is the Hamam of the Eunuchs (Haremağaları Hamamı). It also dates back to the reign of Süleyman the Magnificent. The Hamam of the Eunuchs was used by the palace eunuchs. It contained a dressing room as well as the bath area and a toilet.
Curtain Gate
At the top of the Horse Ramp is the Curtain Gate (Perde Kapısı). It opens to the Hall of the Ablutions Fountain, which leads to the Black Eunuchs’ Ward.
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Black Eunuchs’ Ward
The Black Eunuchs’ Ward (Karaağalar Koğuşu) is the section of the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace that housed the black eunuchs (karaağalar). They were mostly Abyssinians from central Africa and oversaw security for the Harem. Their main duties were “standing guard at the gates of the Harem, controlling the exits and entrances, escorting imperial coaches, and keeping the non-members of the Harem out of the Palace”. The black eunuchs were led by the Chief Black Eunuch (Kızlar Ağası).
Hall of the Ablutions Fountain
After walking up the Horse Ramp and passing through the Curtain Gate, the first room visitors will see in the Black Eunuchs’ Ward is the Hall of the Ablutions Fountain (Şadırvanlı Sofa). The hall served as an entrance to the Harem. The mounting block allowed the Sultan to mount his horse while the benches were for the guards.
The hall was redecorated after a fire swept through the Harem on July 24, 1665. It’s beautifully adorned with 17th century Kütahya and Iznik tiles. The fountain that gives the hall its name was moved to the Privy Chamber of Murad III. The door to the Tower of Justice is also located in the hall.
Mosque of the Black Eunuchs
The Mosque of the Black Eunuchs (Karaağalar Mescidi) is attached to the Hall of the Ablutions Fountain. The entrance to the mosque is between the Curtain Gate and the horse block. Like the hall, this small mosque was rebuilt after the fire in 1665 and is decorated with 17th century Kütahya and Iznik tiles.
There are three tile panels to look out for. All were likely made by the Imperial Halberdier Ali Iskenderiye in 1666-67. First, the tiles in the mihrab offer a detailed depiction of the Holy Mosque in Mecca with the Kaaba in the center. The entire panel contains over 60 tiles.
On the left side of the mosque is a tile panel depicting the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina where the Green Dome, the tomb of Muhammad, is located.
Finally, on the right side is a tile panel depicting Mount Arafat, a Muslim holy site near Mecca. Red roses symbolize the Prophet Muhammad at the two corners of the mountain, where he gave his Farewell Sermon on March 6, 632, a short time before his death.
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Domed Chamber with Cupboards
On one side of the Hall of the Ablutions Fountain is the Domed Chamber with Cupboards (Dolaplı Kubbe). It was built in 1587 by Murad III for keeping the deeds of trust, financial records for the Sultan and Imperial Family, and money from charitable foundations of the Harem and holy sites in Mecca and Medina and annual revenues from the Hejaz. It was administered by the Chief Black Eunuch. The Domed Chamber with Cupboards functioned as the tourist entrance to the Harem before the Horse Ramp opened to the public.
Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs
The other side of the Hall of the Ablutions Fountain opens to the Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs (Karaağalar Taşlığı). It was built in the middle of the 16th century and renovated after the fire of 1665.
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Dormitory of the Black Eunuchs
Behind the portico is the Dormitory of the Black Eunuchs (Karaağalar Koğuşu). This three-story building was the largest dormitory in the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace. It consists of long corridors on each floor with rooms on either side. The portico was added in 1660 and the third floor was built in the 18th century.
The inscriptions under the portico includes the deeds of trust established for the eunuchs in the 19th century under Sultans Mustafa IV, Mahmud II, and Abdülmecid I.
Apartment of the Chief Black Eunuch
Just past the dormitory is the Apartment of the Chief Black Eunuch (Dârüssaâde Ağası Dairesi). It was built near the end of the 16th century but didn’t take its final form until the 18th century under Dârüssaâde Beşir Ağa (d. 1746). The entire apartment is decorated with tiles and fine trim work.
The Chief Black Eunuch was the fourth highest ranking official in the Ottoman Empire after the Sultan, the Grand Vizier, and the Sheikh al-Islam. He was responsible for supervising the imperial charitable foundations and endowments for the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. He was also tasked with the education of Ottoman princes until they reached puberty.
Chief Black Eunuchs often donated their salaries to various charitable causes and were involved in building mosques, schools, and fountains. They held heavy political influence, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries. At the end of their posts, the Chief Black Eunuchs were dismissed and exiled to Egypt or the Hejaz.
School of Princes
The second floor of the apartment contains the School of Princes (Şehzadeler Mektebi). It was established in the 17th century to educate Ottoman princes until they reached puberty. They would learn the Quran as well as how to read and write.
Apartments of the Gentlemen-in-Waiting
The opposite side of the Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs are the Apartments of the Gentlemen-in-Waiting of the Sultan (Musahipler Dairesi). The gentlemen-in-waiting were usually hand-picked by the Sultan and were considered his confidants. They were generally well-educated men skilled in conversation and making sharp witty remarks. The treasurer and other high-ranking eunuchs in charge of financial affairs also lived in the apartments.
The building consists of a three-story cut stone structure. The entire façade was covered in tiles until the 19th century, when it was coated in plaster. Only a small part is still tiled.
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Main Gate to the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace
The Main Gate (Cümle Kapısı) is at the far end of the Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs. It was the official entrance to the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace. Above the door is an inscription of Surah Al-Ahzab 33:53 of the Quran: “O believers, do not enter the houses of the Prophet without permission”.
Sentry Post
The Sentry Post (Nöbet Yeri) connects to the three most exclusive sections of the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace. The door to the left leads to the Concubines’ Ward, the middle door leads to the Courtyard of the Queen Mother, and the door to the right leads to the Courtyard of the Favorites and the Sultan’s Private Apartments. The tourist path continues through the door to the left.
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Concubines’ Ward
The Concubines’ Ward (Cariyeler Koğuşu) housed the Sultan’s consorts and concubines in the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace.
Role of Concubines
Concubines were brought into the Harem as slaves, usually at a young age. Most were Christian girls from various countries and ethnic groups. They were given new names, forced to convert to Islam, and were given an education in court manners and the Turkish language. There were sometimes between 400 and 500 concubines living in the palace at one time.
There were two groups of concubines: those who directly served the Sultan, and those who served the other members and officials of the Harem. The hierarchy regarding status and roles was very strict.
A concubine who didn’t directly serve the Sultan (cariye) could rise in rank to become a paid stewardess (kalfa). After nine years of service, these concubines were given their freedom and a marriage was arranged for them.
Concubines that slept with the Sultan became members of the dynasty and rose in status. A lucky concubine could work her way up to being a consort (kadın), of which there were up to four. Consorts had borne the Sultan a child and were second in status only to the Queen Mother (Valide Sultan). Next were an unspecified number of fortunates (ikbal), who had slept with the Sultan at least once, followed by favorites (gözdeler), who had simply caught the eye of the Sultan.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the chief consort would receive the title Haseki Sultan. They often had influence on foreign and domestic policy and access to great economic resources. The first Haseki Sultan was Hürrem Sultan (1502-1558), or Roxelana, when she married Süleyman the Magnificent in 1533. The title was abolished in 1695.
Corridor of the Concubines
The entrance to the Concubines’ Ward is through the Corridor of the Concubines (Cariyeler Koridoru). On the left side of the corridor is a long counter on which the black eunuchs would place meals for the concubines. Before leaving, they would beat a drum to announce that the meals were ready. The concubines on duty would then enter the corridor and distribute the meals to members of the Harem in a hierarchy. After meals were eaten, the concubines would take the plates back to the corridor.
Courtyard of the Sultan’s Consorts and Concubines
The corridor leads to the Courtyard of the Sultan’s Consorts and Concubines (Kadınefendiler ve Cariyeler Taşlığı). This is the smallest courtyard of the Harem and was built around 1585 under Sultan Murad III. The Sultan’s consorts lived in the apartments surrounding the courtyard. Each consort had three rooms with two stories, a fireplace, and tiled walls. The lower level was used as dormitories for servant concubines.
The courtyard is also surrounded by the Concubines’ Hamam (Cariye Hamamı), a laundry, and the Apartments of the Stewardesses (Kalfalar Dairesi). The stairway on the right side of the courtyard leads to the Harem Hospital (Harem Hastanesi), which is expected to open to the public in the future. Pay attention to the frescoes of landscapes adorning the back wall. They date back to the late 18th century.
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Apartments of the Queen Mother
The Courtyard of the Sultan’s Consorts and Concubines connects to the Apartments of the Queen Mother (Valide Sultan Dairesi). It’s one of the largest sections of the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace. The Queen Mother (Valide Sultan) was the highest authority in charge of the Harem, and many had quite an important influence over the Sultan. However, if her son died or was dethroned, she lost her influence and grip on power.
40 rooms make up the Apartments of the Queen Mother. Most were constructed in the 1580s by Mimar Sinan (c. 1490-1588) and Davud Ağa (d. 1598). Before that, the Queen Mother lived her entire life at the Old Palace (Eski Saray) in what is now Beyazıt Square. Of these 40 rooms, only 2 are open to the public. They consist of a dining room with a reception room in the upper gallery, and her bedroom with a small prayer niche.
The Apartments of the Queen Mother were destroyed after a fire swept through the Imperial Harem on July 24, 1665. They were rebuilt between 1666 and 1668. Some smaller rooms were added later in the 18th century.
The current look of the Apartments of the Queen Mother dates back to 1789, when Selim III had the rooms renovated in a Rococo style and added a second story. It’s possible to see 17th century Iznik tiles as well as cabinets with inlaid mother-of-pearl along the walls. 18th and 19th century Western European-style landscape frescoes adorn the upper walls.
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Baths of the Sultan and Queen Mother
The Baths of the Sultan and Queen Mother (Hünkâr ve Vâlide Sultan Hamamları) separated the women’s quarters from the Sultan’s Private Apartments.
The baths are a double bath constructed in 1580 by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan (1490-1588). They were renovated in the middle of the 18th century.
The baths were once decorated with Iznik tiles that were removed in 1609 by Sultan Ahmed I for use in the Blue Mosque. The walls are now whitewashed or covered in marble, while the floor is made of white and gray marble. The only walls containing tiles today are the corridors.
Each room in the baths either has a dome or honeycomb glass to let in natural sunlight. The baths are heated from the bottom up like a Roman bath and contain a caldarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium. Toilets were also placed in the baths.
The culture of bathing, fountains, and cleanliness was very important in the Ottoman Empire. Water had to be flowing and not standing still as in a pool, so fountains were placed everywhere in the baths.
There are several rooms in the baths, but the Queen Mother’s bath is smaller than the Sultan’s bath. The Queen Mother’s bath was used on different days by women of the Harem from different classes, such as consorts, servants, and concubines.
Finally, as the Sultan and Queen Mother would be at their most vulnerable while bathing, additional security measures were installed. Golden latticework screens protected them from assassination attempts as they bathed.
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Imperial Hall
The Imperial Hall (Hünkâr Sofası) is one of the most impressive rooms in the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace. It was built after 1585 by Davud Ağa (d. 1598) during the reign of Murad III. After a fire swept through the Imperial Harem in 1666, the hall was renovated in the Rococo style under Osman III.
There are several doors opening to the Imperial Hall. Doors on one side lead to the Apartments of the Queen Mother and the Baths of the Sultan and Queen Mother. On the opposite side are two doors leading to the Sultan’s Private Apartments. There was also a secret door behind a mirror allowing the Sultan safe passage in case of an attack.
Uses of the Imperial Hall
Also known as the Throne Room or the Hall of Diversions, the Imperial Hall served as an official reception and ceremonial hall. The Sultan would use it receive guests such as his confidants, consorts, mother, and children. It was also used for wedding and religious ceremonies as well as the entertainment of the Sultan and residents of the Harem.
The Sultan’s throne sits near the center of the room while the gallery is off to the side. The Sultan’s consorts would sit with the Queen Mother (Valide Sultan) in the lower floor of the gallery while musician concubines would sit on the upper floor.
Dome of the Imperial Hall
The dome above the hall is the largest in the palace and has a gorgeous chandelier hanging from the center. The paintings under the dome and arches date back to the original construction. The pictures below depict the dome before and after restoration.
Decorations in the Imperial Hall
The entire room is richly decorated with impressive craftsmanship and luxury items. One item of particular interest is a clock that has been on display during some of my visits. It was a gift from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Great Britain in the 19th century. Also, the tile belt with calligraphic inscriptions was reinstalled in the 18th century using Delftware and Venetian glass.
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Sultan’s Private Apartments
The Sultan’s Private Apartments served as the living quarters of the Ottoman sultans. The apartments are accessed via a vestibule connected to the Imperial Hall. Its walls are decorated with Iznik tiles and it’s colorfully painted all the way up to the dome.
Privy Chamber of Murad III
Through the door on the left side of the vestibule is the Privy Chamber of Murad III (III. Murad Has Odası). It was built in 1579 by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan (1490-1588) for Sultan Murad III. It’s the oldest and best preserved room in the Harem, retaining its original appearance. The room was used as the private quarters and a reception hall for several subsequent Ottoman sultans.
The room is decorated with blue, white, and red Iznik tiles. The tiles depict floral designs and also make up a band around the room with an inscription from the Quran. The ceiling is painted with geometric designs.
The Privy Chamber of Murad III features a large dome that’s only second in size to the dome of the Imperial Hall. It has been repainted several times over the years.
The fountain in the room was originally installed in the Hall of the Ablutions Fountain. The two-tiered fountain is decorated with colored marble. The flow of water from the fountain was meant to provide a relaxing atmosphere to the room as well as prevent eavesdropping.
Opposite the fountain are two gilded baldachin beds dating back to the 18th century. A large fireplace with a gilded cloak sits between them.
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Privy Chamber of Ahmed I
Next is the Privy Chamber of Ahmed I (I. Ahmed Has Odası). It was built in 1608 for Sultan Ahmed I. The room is decorated with mostly green Iznik tiles. It features cabinets and window shutters inlaid with mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, and ivory.
Privy Chamber of Ahmed III
A small but colorful room attached to the Privy Chamber of Ahmed I is decorated from floor to ceiling with floral patterns and fruit painted on wooden panels. This is the Privy Chamber of Ahmed III (III. Ahmed Has Odası), also known as the Fruit Room (Yemiş Odası). It was built in 1705 for Sultan Ahmed III and was probably used as a dining room by many sultans.
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Twin Kiosk
The Twin Kiosk (Çifte Kasırlar) housed the Crown Prince (Şehzade). In the early years of the Ottoman Empire, once the Crown Prince (Şehzade) reached adulthood, he was sent to an Anatolian province to become a governor and train in administration and state affairs. From the beginning of the 17th century, however, princes lived in seclusion in the Harem. He was under a form of house-arrest in the Twin Kiosk and was under constant surveillance by palace guards. This earned the kiosk the nickname kafes (cage).
The Twin Kiosk, which was also known as the Apartments of the Crown Prince (Veliahd Dairesi), is attached to the Sultan’s Private Apartments via a vestibule. It consists of two privy chambers built at different times in the 17th century. The Twin Kiosk was built on an elevated platform to give a better view from the inside and to shield views from the outside. It’s best seen from the Courtyard of the Favorites.
Both rooms in the Twin Kiosk have carpeted floors and sofas along the walls for seating. One room has a domed roof while the other has a flat wooden ceiling. The paint inside the dome is original.
The rooms are richly decorated with replicas of the original 17th century Iznik tiles, geometric patterns, and inscriptions from the Quran. They also feature beautiful stained glass windows.
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Courtyard of the Favorites
The Courtyard of the Favorites (Gözdeler Taşlığı) is one of the last sections of the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace.
The Courtyard of the Favorites contains the Apartment of the Favorites and the Twin Kiosk. It also overlooks a large pool and the Boxwood Garden (Şimşirlik Bahçesi), and has excellent views of Galata and the Galata Tower.
Apartments of the Favorites
The Apartments of the Favorites (Gözdeler Dairesi) were built by Sultan Osman III in 1754. The second floor was added by Abdülhamid I in the 1770s. Abdülhamid I lived on the ground floor of the building and his family occupied the rest. This was the first time that the women’s living quarters were combined with the sultan’s. Abdülhamid I’s wooden apartment was decorated in the Rococo style.
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Golden Road
The Golden Road (Altınyol) is a narrow passage dating back to the 15th century. It leads from the Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs, past the Courtyard of the Queen Mother and the Courtyard of the Favorites, all the way to the Marble Terrace (Mermer Sofa) in the 4th Courtyard.
The walls along the Golden Road are painted white in some parts, and are brick or tiled in others. Some people believe the name golden comes from a tradition of the sultans throwing gold coins to the concubines on feast days and celebrations, but this is disputed by many scholars.
Harem Mosque
The Harem Mosque (Harem Mescidi) was built in the 17th century as a prayer room for the Queen Mother, the Sultan’s daughters, chief consort, and senior women of the Harem. The walls are covered with 18th century tiles produced at the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus when it functioned as a ceramics and pottery factory. The mosque sits along the Golden Road.
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Aviary Kitchen
The Aviary Kitchen (Kuşhane Mutfağı) was built in the 15th century. It has a ground floor and mezzanine level, both accessible via the Golden Road. The Aviary Kitchen was used to serve the Sultan and members of his family on private days and evenings. The kitchen also prepared feasts at the Harem for weddings of the Sultan’s daughters, circumcision ceremonies for the princes, and other palace celebrations.
The kitchen staff were specifically chosen from the corps of Halberdiers with Tresses for their trustworthiness and talent. They would accompany the Sultan to go riding or hunting, or whenever he left the palace. The head cook was called the Chief Bird Keeper (Kuşcubaşı). The stone stove, niches, fountain, and other features on the ground floor are all original.
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Courtyard of the Queen Mother
The Courtyard of the Queen Mother (Valide Sultan Taşlığı) is the largest courtyard in the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace.
The Courtyard of the Queen Mother is connected to the Golden Road via the middle door of the Sentry Post. Because it bordered so many sections of the Harem, it was the only place where all residents could meet face-to-face.
The buildings around the courtyard were built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, and there was once an open view to the Golden Horn. When the Apartments of the Queen Mother and the Baths of the Sultan and Queen Mother were built in the 16th century, the space became an inner courtyard.
The walls of the courtyard are covered with tiles dating back to various periods. A mounting block used by the Sultan sits on the north side. The fountain on the opposite end was built in the 17th century during the reign of Mehmed IV.
Hall with the Fireplace
Two rooms on the Courtyard of the Queen Mother are open to the public. The first is the Hall with the Fireplace (Ocaklı Sofa). It takes its name from the fact it features the largest fireplace in the Harem.
The Hall with the Fireplace was built in the early 17th century. It was renovated under Mehmed IV after a fire swept through the Harem in 1666. The room is covered by a dome and decorated with colorful tiles and engravings.
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Hall with the Fountain
Next is the Hall with the Fountain (Çeşmeli Sofa). Princes, consorts, and concubines would use it as a waiting room before entering the Imperial Hall and the Sultan’s Private Apartments. The Hall with the Fountain contains one of the most beautiful fountains in the Harem. Before it became a waiting room, it was used as a pantry.
Exiting the Imperial Harem at Topkapi Palace
The tourist exit opens to the 3rd Courtyard via the Aviary Gate (Kuşhane Kapısı).
