The architectural and social structure of the Imperial Harem reflected the Ottoman court's dynastic, ceremonial, and security priorities. Comprising over 300 rooms at its peak, the Harem featured a sequence of progressively restricted zones, including the Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs, the Queen Mother’s Apartments (Valide Sultan Dairesi), the Sultan’s Private Chambers, and rooms for the consorts, princes, and concubines. It was served by its own kitchens, baths, training quarters, and mosques, effectively functioning as a palace within the palace.

Construction of the Harem began in the late 16th century under Sultan Murad III, with major expansions continuing under Sultan Ahmed I and later sultans. Its architectural style integrates classical Ottoman forms—domes, courtyards, tiled interiors—with elements of Persian, Byzantine, and later European influence, reflecting its continuous use and renovation until the 19th century.

The Harem was not only a residential zone but also a critical center of dynastic education, gendered power politics, and imperial succession. The Valide Sultan wielded considerable influence within both the Harem and the broader court, especially during the Sultanate of Women (circa 16th–17th centuries CE). The spatial seclusion and intricate hierarchy of the Harem reinforced the symbolic sanctity of the imperial household and its separation from the administrative and military domains of the palace.

The Imperial Ottoman Harem occupied one of the sections of the private apartments of the sultan; it contained more than 400 rooms. The harem consists of a series of buildings and structures, connected through hallways and courtyards. The harem wing was only added at the end of the 16th century. Many of the rooms and features in the Harem were designed by Mimar Sinan.

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Imperial Throne Hall (Hünkâr Sofası)
Also known as the Imperial Sofa, Throne Room Within or Hall of Diversions, is a domed hall in the Harem, believed to have been built in the late 16th century. It has the largest dome in the palace. The hall served as the official reception hall of the sultan as well as for the entertainment of the Harem. Here the sultan received his confidants, guests, his mother, his first wife (Hasseki), consorts, and his children. Entertainments, paying of homage during religious festivals, and wedding ceremonies took place here in the presence of the members of the dynasty.

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Hall of the Ablution Fountain (Şadirvanli Sofa)
Also known as "Sofa with Fountain" (Şadirvanli Sofa), was renovated after the Harem fire of 1666. This second great fire took place on 24 July 1665. This space was an entrance hall into the harem, guarded by the harem eunuchs. The Büyük Biniş and the Şal Kapısı, which connected the Harem, the Privy Garden, the Mosque of the Harem Eunuchs and the Tower of Justice from where the sultan watched the deliberations of the Imperial Council, led to this place.

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Courtyard of the Eunuchs (Harem Ağaları Taşlığı)
The Courtyard of the (Black) Eunuchs (Harem Ağaları Taşlığı), with apartments on the left side is where the Harem eunuchs lived. At the end of the court is the apartment of the black chief eunuch (Kızlar Ağası), the fourth high-ranking official in the official protocol.