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Primer Patio (Alay Meydanı)
The First Courtyard, or Alay Meydanı, is the largest in the palace complex and served as the outer precinct. It is entered via the Bâb-ı Hümayun, the imperial gate, which faces Hagia Sophia.
Segundo Patio / Patio de Ceremonias (Divan Meydanı)
The Second Courtyard (Divan Meydanı), measuring 130 × 160 metres, was the Ottoman Empire's administrative and ceremonial heart, housing the Imperial Council, the Tower of Justice, the Royal Kitchens and the Imperial Stables.
Cuarto Patio (Sofa-ı Hümâyûn)
The Fourth Courtyard, Sofa-ı Hümâyûn, was the sultan's most private retreat, comprising pavilions, kiosks, gardens and terraces. It is reached via a gently sloping path descending from the Third Courtyard.
Tesoro Imperial (Hazine-i Âmire)
The Imperial Treasury (Hazine-i Âmire) in Topkapı's Third Courtyard holds centuries of Ottoman art, jewellery and personal artefacts across four rooms, supervised directly by the Chief Treasurer.
Cocinas Reales y Colección de Porcelana (Saray Mutfakları)
The Royal Kitchens (Saray Mutfakları) in the Second Courtyard once fed 4,000 people daily. Today they house one of the world's foremost porcelain and glassware collections, with some 10,700 remarkable pieces.
Consejo Imperial (Dîvân-ı Hümâyûn)
The Imperial Council (Dîvân-ı Hümâyûn), also known as Kubbealtı — 'beneath the dome' — is where the Grand Vizier and senior Ottoman officials convened. It formed the administrative core of the empire.
Biblioteca de Ahmed III (Enderûn Kütüphanesi)
Built in 1718 for Sultan Ahmed III and set in the heart of the Third Courtyard, this library housed the imperial manuscript collection and also served the Enderûn School, directly behind the Audience Chamber.
Pabellón del Santo Manto y Reliquias Sagradas (Hırka-i Saâdet Dairesi)
Housed in Mehmed II's former private apartments in the Third Courtyard, this pavilion holds Islam's most sacred relics. Open to the public since 1962, uninterrupted Qur'anic recitation has continued here for over 500 years.
- 1.Primer Patio (Alay Meydanı)
- 2.Segundo Patio / Patio de Ceremonias (Divan Meydanı)
- 3.Cuarto Patio (Sofa-ı Hümâyûn)
- 4.Tesoro Imperial (Hazine-i Âmire)
- 5.Cocinas Reales y Colección de Porcelana (Saray Mutfakları)
- 6.Consejo Imperial (Dîvân-ı Hümâyûn)
- 7.Biblioteca de Ahmed III (Enderûn Kütüphanesi)
- 8.Pabellón del Santo Manto y Reliquias Sagradas (Hırka-i Saâdet Dairesi)
Kids audio available
Kids version available with adapted and fun language for the little ones (19 min)
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