ISTANBUL, Turkey / Türkiye — The Courtyard of the Favorites in the Imperial Harem of Topkapi Palace. The Imperial Harem was the inner sanctum of the Topkapi Palace where the Sultan and his family lived. Standing on a peninsular overlooking the Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn, Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years (1465–1856) of their 624-year reign.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Courtyard of the Favorites, known in Turkish as Gözdeler Taşlığı, is a significant and intriguing section within the Imperial Harem of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. This secluded area provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex social structure and daily life within the Ottoman royal household. Located in the heart of the harem complex, the Courtyard of the Favorites served as the living quarters for the Sultan's most favored concubines. These women, chosen for their beauty, intelligence, and accomplishments, occupied a privileged position within the harem hierarchy, second only to the Sultan's legal wives and the Valide Sultan (Queen Mother). The courtyard's architecture typically reflects the refined Ottoman style of the palace, likely featuring ornate tilework, intricate stone carving, and possibly decorative fountains or water features. The surrounding rooms would have been lavishly appointed, befitting the status of their occupants. The design of the space would have balanced the need for privacy with the practical requirements of daily life within the harem. This area played a crucial role in the social and political dynamics of the Ottoman court. The favorites, by virtue of their proximity to the Sultan, could wield significant informal influence. Many historically notable Ottoman women, including future Valide Sultans, began their careers in the palace as favorites. The Courtyard of the Favorites also served an educational function within the harem. Here, promising concubines would receive instruction in Ottoman court etiquette, arts, literature, and sometimes matters of state, preparing them for potential elevated roles within the imperial household. Today, as part of the Topkapi Palace Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Courtyard of the Favorites offers visitors a unique perspective on Ottoman history. It stands as a testament to the complex intersections of power, gender, and politics that characterized th
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Fatih, Istanbul, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey / Türkiye
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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