Harem
| Aviary / Harem Gate
Until the late 19th century there had been a small inner court in this corner of the Enderûn Courtyard. This court led through the Kuşhane Gate into the harem. Today this is the gate from which the visitors exit from the Harem.
|
| Courtyard of the Eunuchs (6)
Another door leads to the Courtyard of the (Black) Eunuchs (Harem Ağaları Taşlığı), with on the left side their apartments.
|
| Harem main entrance
Corridor où l'on apportait la nouritture pour le harem
Le mot Harem, qui dérive de l'arabe haram (illégale), désignera progressivement ce qui est "protégé" ou réservé. On l'attribuera à la résidence du sultan où vivaient sa mère, ses soeurs, ses épouses et ses concubines. Le harem comptera, en moyenne, six cents femmes (avec un record aux alentours de mille cinq cents) d'origines diverses.
|
|  | Courtyard of the Sultan's Consorts and the Concubines (2)
The Courtyard of the Sultan's Consorts and the Concubines (Kadın Efendiler Taşlığı / Cariye Taşlığı) was constructed at the same time as the courtyard of the eunuchs in the middle of the 16th century. It underwent restoration after the 1665 fire and is the smallest courtyard of the Harem.
|
| Courtyard of the Favourites
The Courtyard of the Favourites (Gözdeler / Mabeyn Taşlığı ve Dairesi) forms the last section of the Harem and overlooks a large pool and the Boxwood Garden (Şimşirlik Bahçesi).
|
 |
