Hagia-Irene Church was located in the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace. Besides, there are the outer service buildings, Oven and Hospital.
Second courtyard has administrative buildings for the Empire. These are Square of Justice, Imperial Council and Treasury of the Divan-ı Hümayun. The entrance of Harem, Palace Kitchens and additional service buildings are here as well.
Third courtyard was used for education of palace aghas and assigned to high ranks of the state. There were dormitories and the structures belongs to the Sultan. Ottoman Sultan used to meet with viziers and ambassadors here. Enderun Library which was used for education aghas, is located in this courtyard.
Topkapi Palace has passages to the Imperial Sofa courtyard which has the kiosks and gardens. The Terrace courtyard has Revan and Baghdat Kiosks, Circumsision Room and Iftaree Canony.
Information:
You can avoid lines when you have an offcial guide. It is only museum and close every Tuesday. They accept only cash in Turkish Lira and credit card.
Visit Hours:
Summer 9 am – 18:00 / winter 9 am – 16:00
Entrance Fee: 40 Lira.
Harem Fee: 25 Lira