The council members would site on the sofas around the room which is the orrigin of the word 'divan' for sofa. The golden window was called the Eye. Behind it was to a room where the Sultan could sit and eaves drop.

Gate Topkapi Palace

The Harem, Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

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You will surely marvel at the imperial magnificence on display at Topkapi Palace, which was the site for the opulent life of the sultans from the 15th century onward.

Following its estpblishment in the 15th century, this magnificent and mysterious structure became the stage for every detail of the life of the Ottoman Dynasty, the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.......

Istanbul. Harem, Topkapi Palace

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul

Sitting room at the Topkapi Palace

Small submarine in the background

The area in front of this gate is where new sultans would be proclaimed

View of Bosphorus from the Fourth Court of Topkapi Palace

Home of the Sultans

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

The Harem, Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace and Harem

Sultan Murat IV had it build in 1639 to celebrate his capture of the city from the Safavid Persians.