Gate of Felicity

The Gate of Felicity is known in Turkish as Bâb-ı Saadet. Its name means “the gate of happiness.” It was first built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. In the 18th century, it was repaired and changed. Then it took the form we know today.

This gate was one of the most important places in the palace. A new sultan came to the throne in front of it. On religious festivals, high officials of the empire were received here. These moments were full of ceremony and respect.

The gate was also important before war. The army’s highest commander had a special title. He was called Serdar-ı Ekrem. Before a campaign, this commander received the holy flag of the Prophet. This flag was called the Sancak-ı Şerif.

Beyond this gate was the private part of the palace. It was called Enderun. The word was used for the inner palace. This was not only a living place. It was also a school.

In this school, young boys were trained for state service. Many of them came through the devşirme system. Devşirme boys were Christian children taken into the Ottoman system when they were young. They were raised with Muslim and Ottoman traditions. They learned how to serve the palace and the state.

Their future depended on their success. Some received important jobs. Some could rise very high. A talented student could even become a vizier, or the grand vizier. The grand vizier was the most powerful official after the sultan.

In this part of the palace were the sultan’s private rooms. There was also the Audience Chamber, called the Arz Odası. The treasury was kept here too. Another important room was the Has Oda, the Privy Chamber. It later became the Hall of Holy Relics. There, sacred objects connected with the Prophet and early Islam were kept.