- History and Structure
- Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453, served as Ottoman imperial residence until 1860
- Palace consists of First, Second, Third and Fourth Courts
- Features Imperial Gate, Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III, and main ticket office
- First and Second Courts
- First Court served as Janissaries' court, located near Hagia Eirene
- Second Court contained Imperial Council Chamber and Outer Treasury
- Palace Kitchens housed Chinese celadon porcelain collection
- Harem
- Housed up to 300 concubines, trained in Islamic and Turkish culture
- Valide sultan ruled through black eunuchs, controlled large estates
- Contains Privy Chambers, Imperial Hall, and Twin Kiosk apartments
- Third and Fourth Courts
- Third Court served as sultan's private domain with Audience Chamber
- Imperial Treasury displays jewels, including Kasıkçı Diamond
- Fourth Court featured pleasure pavilions and Tulip Garden
- Notable Features
- Contains Sacred Safekeeping Rooms with Prophet's relics
- Housed portraits of 36 sultans in Privy Chamber
- Includes Mecidiye Kiosk and Konyalı restaurant in Fourth Court