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The Harem of the Sultans

The Harem of the Sultans is an important area within the Topkapi palace in Istanbul which served as the private living quarters of the sultan and his family.

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The Harem in Topkapi Palace is one of its most captivating and mysterious sections, offering a glimpse into the private lives of the Ottoman sultans and their families. This secluded part of the palace was the residence of the sultan, his mother (the Valide Sultan), wives, concubines, and children, as well as the eunuchs who managed the Harem’s daily affairs.

The complex features a series of lavishly decorated chambers, corridors, and courtyards adorned with intricate tilework, stained glass, and marble. The Valide Sultan’s quarters, located at the heart of the Harem, highlight her influential role in the palace hierarchy. Nearby, the Sultan’s private chambers are adorned with ornate ceilings and elegant furnishings. The Courtyard of the Eunuchs and the dormitories of the concubines provide insights into the lives of those who served within the Harem.

Far from being merely a place of indulgence, the Harem was also a center of political power and cultural education. The women were often highly educated and trained in music, language, and the arts. The complex dynamics within the Harem played a significant role in shaping Ottoman politics and society. Today, walking through the Harem's atmospheric corridors and richly decorated rooms is like stepping into a world of intrigue, luxury, and history.

Nearby Attractions

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The pinnacle of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s must-see attractions.

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, a former Ottoman residence, showcases opulent architecture, sacred relics, and stunning Bosphorus views, steeped in rich history.

The Circumcision Room

Under the Ottoman Empire, each year there were circumcision ceremonies and festivals, which took place for days on end, in which the many princes of the empire were circumcised.

Apartments of the Queen Mother

Because the sultans were often young, the woman whose children became sultan were exulted above all others living in the harem and were given special quarters to represent their unique status.

Library of Ahmed III

Known for his lavish expenses, Ahmed III (sultan from 1703-1730) added several rooms to the Topkapi Palace, amongst them - three libraries.

Imperial Treasury Room at the Topkapi Palace

Comprising of several rooms, the treasury rooms at the palace are some of the most lavish in the entire palace, full of artifacts from the Ottoman Empire, including large diamonds and gold-encrusted objects.

Related Tours

Private Guided Topkapi Palace Museum and Hagia Irene Tour

In a city of opulent, historical buildings, the Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul’s finest relics of Ottoman history and architecture. On your private tour of the Topkapi Palace, you will:

Sit back, relax and enjoy the comforts of a private vehicle throughout the tour, including hotel pick-up and drop-off;
Enjoy the personalized attention of your private licensed guide.;
Visit the Palace and Harem with skip-the-line (tickets included in the tour price);
Expertly navigate through the hundreds of rooms of this magnificent Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years;
Visit the recently renovated Ottoman Imperial Harem;
Explore the Hagia Irene, a hidden gem in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace;
Explore the Circumcision Room, the Library of Ahmed III, and the Apartments of the Queen Mother;
End the tour inside the Topkapi Palace by the treasury, home to the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Topkapi Dagger, which you can explore at your own leisure.

Once the residence of countless Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century, the Topkapi Palace has been an operating museum since the early 20th century. With spectacular walls which encompass it, and four courts within it – each of which served a different purpose, the museum and the history of the Ottomans it contains are best explored with a private guide. Once inside, you will have the chance to visit the Harem—the living quarters of the imperial family, where the rituals, traditions, and ceremonies of the royal family were performed. Your tour ends in the fabulous Treasury, where you will have the chance to explore further on your own.

Please note that in the Topkapi Palace, photography is not permitted inside the exhibition halls and prams are prohibited. Please dress appropriately and bring covers for your knees and shoulders.