Golden Way

The Golden Way is one of the oldest parts of the harem.

The harem was the private home of the sultan and his family inside the palace. This passage goes back to the time of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.

Its name tells a bright story. When a new sultan came to the throne, harem residents stood along this road. The sultan gave them gold coins. That is why it became known as the Golden Way.

But this road also saw sad and dangerous moments in Ottoman history.

One story is about Cevri Kalfa. She was a loyal and experienced aide of the sultan. When rioters attacked the palace, she saved the life of Sultan Mahmud the Second. She threw hot ashes at the rioters and helped the sultan escape danger.

The harem was not only a place of power and fear. It was also a place where music was heard. In the 18th century, a woman composer named Dilhayat Kalfa lived here. Her music reminds us that many voices, talents, and hidden stories were part of palace life.