Topkapi Palace - Fourth Courtyard
The Fourth Courtyard of Topkapi Palace was sultan’s private domain where he spent his days. Entry to this courtyard was strictly regulated and off-limits to outsiders.
Mecidiye Kiosk
This is the last kiosk added to the palace. It is dated back to 1840, the reign of Sultan Abdul Mecid. It was built as an imperial reception space. Regarding the magnificent location and the panoramic view of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus Strait, I can understand why the Sultan ordered it. Initially called the New Kiosk, it was later named the Mecidiye Kiosk with reference to Sultan Abdulmecit (Abdulmejid) who had it built.
Sofa Mosque
The Mosque Of The Hall / The Sofa Mosque It is thought that the Mosque of the Hall was constructed in the time of Sultan Mahmud II (r. 1808-39) following the demolition of the Chamberlain’s Pavilion.
Sofa Pavilion
It was originally used as a restroom for Sultan. He would watch sporting events and entertainments organised in the lower garden. And later, during the Tulip Era (1718-1730), it was used as a lodge for guests. This pavilion was the first example of a new style that has since come be to be called “Turkish Rococo” and it had a great influence on 18th-century residential architecture; particularly on the seaside mansions, found along the Bosphorus.
Baghdad Kiosk
The Baghdad Pavilion The construction of the Baghdad Pavilion began just as Sultan Murad IV embarked on his Baghdad Campaign in April 1638. By the time the sultan returned in June of the following years, the pavilion’s decorations remained unfinished and the building could only be completed after the sultan’s death on 8th February 1640.
It is decorated with Iznik tiles and stained glass. The kiosk is crowned by a dome with traditional Ottoman motifs in gold leaf. The interior is basically a good example of an ideal Ottoman room. This pavilion is one of the last examples of the classical Ottoman palace architecture. The silver ‘mangal’ (charcoal stove), a present of King Louis XIV of France. From the mid-18th century onwards, the building was used as the library of the Privy Chamber.
Iftariye Pavilion
The Iftariye Pavilion, also known as Iftar Kiosk or Iftar Bower. The Iftar Gazebo (The Moonlight Observation Point) Constructed in 1640 during the reign of Sultan İbrahim, this small gazebo juts out from the courtyard between the Baghdad Pavilion and the Circumcision Chamber.
The structure has a roof that features a tulipshaped device and is supported by four gold-plated copper columns. In addition to its use for holiday festivities, the gazebo was also the place where sultans would break their fast in Ramadan. It also offers some wonderful view of the Golden Horn.
Circumcision Room
The name “Circumcision Chamber” was not given until later when the space was used for the circumcision of the sons of Sultan Ahmed III. It is also said to have been the room where the sultan slept in the summertime. Its interior and exterior are decorated with a mixed collection of rare tile. On the right side of the entrance stands a fireplace with a gilded hood. The tiled panel at the entrance of this room is one of the best in the palace.
Revan Kiosk
The Yerevan Pavilion This pavilion was constructed in 1636 to commemorate Sultan Murad IV’s victory at the city of Yerevan in modern-day Armenia. The Revan Pavilion is also called sarık odası (turban room) by some sources with reference to the fact that the sacred relics were kept there during the Chamber of the Holy Mantle’s traditional cleaning ceremony.
