Circumcision Room

The Circumcision Room is a small and special place in Topkapı Palace.

It faces the Golden Horn, the long waterway beside old Istanbul. This gave the room a fine view and a calm feeling.

The room gets its name from an important palace ceremony. Here, young Ottoman princes had their circumcision ceremonies. These boys were the sons of the sultan. One day, one of them might become the ruler of the empire.

In Ottoman life, circumcision was not only a family event. It was also a great public celebration. For a prince, it was even more important. It showed that the child was growing up, and that he belonged to the royal family.

The room is also loved for its beautiful tiles. These tiles are bright, rich, and very special. They show the fine taste of the palace and the skill of Ottoman artists.