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The Topkapi Palace
Life within The Topkapi Palace started at dawn and continued throughout the day with ceremony and strict rules of protocol governing every possible situation and event. Everybody was obliged to abide by the customs and tradition of the Palace that had developed over centuries. Even during the decline of the Empire, such rules never slackened. The protocol rules of the western world were highly influenced by those dominant in The Topkapi Palace.
The seashore kiosks and pavilions of The Topkapi Palace were destroyed by the end of the 19th century.
Visiting the Palace:
The First Court
The first and outermost court of The Topkapi Palace is entered through the Bab-ı Humayun (Imperial Gate). The monumental fountain outside the gate is a precious example of 18th century Turkish art. Surrounding the first court are the palace bakery, mint, palace guard quarters and stores for firewood.
At the terraces below were the vegetable gardens that supplied the palace. Çinili Köşk (The Lodge with tiles), the first building built in The Topkapi Palace complex, is also inside this court. Immediately upon entering the court, one sees the Aya Irini; a Byzantine church-turned-museum dating back to the 6th century.
Exterior of Aya Irini Church. |
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The Second Court
The actual entrance to The Topkapi Palace Museum is the second gate called Bab-i Selam (Gate of Salutation), through which one enters the second court that is allocated for the administrative functions of the state. To this court, where only the Sultan could enter on horseback, citizens in pursuit of some official matter and representatives of the Janissaries on paydays would be admitted:
Certain state ceremonies would be held here. Historians have noted that during such ceremonies which could be attended by as many as five or even ten thousand people, an absolute silence prevailed. For ceremonies the Sultan himself would attend, the imperial throne would be placed in front of the gate at the other end of the court and all those present would stand facing him with their hands tied in front of them in a gesture of reverence.
To the left of the court was the administrative section where the cabinet would meet. The only tower in the palace grounds is called the Tower of Justice because justice in the name of the state was dispensed from these quarters. The tower could be used to watch the whole city and the port, and the only entrance to it is through the Harem.
Justice Tower
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