The largest palace of the Sultans of Istanbul,  70,000 sq meters,  mostly outdoor courts,  but beautiful palace too. 

Inside this first gate,  all the people can enter.   The largest court of the palace is open to everyone

Inside the middle gate requires permission from the sultan

Sections of the palace are now exhibition rooms for gifts,  armor,  jewelry, and  robes of the sultans

The last gate,  the inner gate,, into the residence is the sultan

This area is the personal lodging of the Sultan, at least 4 wives,  and 300 our so concubines…. and of course the children.   There is a beautiful viewing place for him to survey his kingdom

Another section of the palace holds the jewels

And last,  the Sultans’ robes