Istanbul, the Cage of princes - Topkapý ottoman Palace
The Twin Kiosk
Kafes means "the cage", it was the part of the Imperial Harem of the Ottoman Palace where possible successors to the throne were kept under a form of house-arrest and constant surveillance by the palace guards.
The history of the Ottoman Empire is littered with succession wars between rival sons of the deceased sultan. It was usual for a new sultan to have his brothers killed, including infants, sometimes dozens of them at once.
Istanbul, the Cage of princes - Topkapý ottoman Palace
The Twin Kiosk
Kafes means "the cage", it was the part of the Imperial Harem of the Ottoman Palace where possible successors to the throne were kept under a form of house-arrest and constant surveillance by the palace guards.
The history of the Ottoman Empire is littered with succession wars between rival sons of the deceased sultan. It was usual for a new sultan to have his brothers killed, including infants, sometimes dozens of them at once.