The Topkapi Palace

 Silver model of the  Fountain of Ahmet lll.  presented to Abdulhamit  on the 25th anniversary of  his reign.

The Third Court

The entrance to the third court of The Topkapi Palace, the private court of the Sultans, is through a gate called Babu's-sa'ade (Gate of Felicity). Nobody without special permission could pass through that gate, and those with permission were admitted, only in the company of white eunuchs, to the Sultan's private court. Surrounding this court were the Palace University, the throne chamber, the Sultan's treasury and the sanctuary of Holy Islamic relics.
The Sultan would meet the ambassadors of foreign countries and the high officials of his government in the throne chamber that is located directly opposite the gate to the court. The servants to the throne chamber were specially picked from deaf-mutes for obvious security reasons. Also, some officers of the Ottoman Army who were also prominent faculty members of the palace school performed part of the services to the Sultan.
The Library of Ahmet III located at the center of the court is a perfect example of the blend of the baroque style with Turkish architecture.
A school in the Sultan's private courtyard trained candidates for positions of responsibility in government. The graduates of this school would then serve loyally and usually successfully in the administration and organization of the vast empire. Most of the Viziers and Grand Viziers of the government came from this school:

Audience Hall.