The Iftariye Bower

This terrace took its final shape during the rule of Sultan Ibrahim.

At its center stands the Iftariye Alcove. It is a long, open porch with a roof. Thin columns hold it up. It is covered with gold, so it must have shone warmly in the sun.

From here, the sultans could look out over the Golden Horn. The Golden Horn is the famous waterway of Istanbul.

This place was used in summer during Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month when Muslims fast during the day. At sunset, the fast is broken with a meal called iftar. The sultans would break their fast here, in this golden porch, with the city and the water before them.

In some old sources, this place is also called the Moon Place.