Turkey Guide On Line
Turkey Guide On Line
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First Courtyard
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Visitors enter the palace grounds by the Imperial Gate, main entryway to the
palace complex which was heavily guarded by 50 guards day and night. This
impressive gate, which was locked and sealed at night time, gives access to
first court, used by the
Jenisseries, elite class of Ottoman army. Since most of
the barracks and military structures were ravaged by the great fires, a great
silence dominates this courtyard. 
One single monument, the church of Saint
Eirene, the church of "Divine Peace" still challenging to centuries
stands on the left wing of the court and bear witness to great history of this
location. The church of Saint Eirene which was rebuilt by Emperor Justinian
after the Nika Riot was one of the two most respected churches of
Constantinople. 
Then one arrives to middle gate or the Gate of Salutations which
is flanked by two impressive towers. Dating from the time of Suleyman the
Magnificent, this monumental gate gives access to second court, the court of
ceremonies where great ceremonies such as coronation, pay day of soldiers took
place. No one except the sultan could go beyond the gate on horse back. The
rooms on the right wing were used by the most high ranking guards.