Architecturally, it is defined by a symmetrical layout framed by colonnaded porticoes and flanked by critical state structures, including the Imperial Council Hall (Divanhane), Palace Kitchens, and service buildings.

The Second Courtyard functioned as the administrative core of Topkapı Palace and embodied the hierarchical stratification of Ottoman court life. Access through the Middle Gate was limited to high-ranking officials, palace staff, and individuals summoned for official matters; neither soldiers nor commoners were permitted entry. Upon passing through the gate, one entered a broad, orderly space bordered by essential institutions of governance and supply.

On the right side stood the Imperial Council Hall, a domed chamber where the Grand Vizier and viziers conducted state affairs, presided over trials, and received delegations. Behind it rose the Tower of Justice (Adalet Kulesi), a vertical architectural marker symbolizing the sultan’s unseen but omnipresent oversight of the realm. On the left side extended the massive Palace Kitchens complex (Matbah-ı Âmire), consisting of multiple domed halls and chimneys, responsible for preparing food daily for thousands of court personnel. Adjacent to the kitchens were the confectionery, butchery, and food storage areas, along with quarters for kitchen staff and eunuchs.

The courtyard was also home to the Outer Treasury, stables, and service buildings. Its architectural character reflects both ceremonial grandeur and utilitarian planning, with an emphasis on processional space, logistical efficiency, and formal symmetry. The path through this court culminated at the Gate of Felicity (Bâb-üs Saâde), which led to the more restricted and private Third Courtyard, reinforcing the increasing spatial and symbolic exclusivity of the palace interior.

circa 1542 CE

Gate of Salutation (Bab-üs Selam)
The large Gate of Salutation, also known as the Middle Gate (Turkish: Orta Kapı), leads into the palace and the Second Courtyard. This crenellated gate has two large, pointed octagonal towers. Its date of construction is uncertain; the architecture of the towers appears to be of Byzantine influence. An inscription at the door dates this gate to at least 1542. The gate is richly decorated with religious inscriptions and monograms of sultans. Passage through the gate was tightly controlled and all visitors had to dismount, since only the sultan was allowed to enter the gate on horseback.

circa 1720 CE

Hacı Beşir Ağa Mosque and Bath
The small early 18th-century CE mosque and the bath of Beşir Ağa (Beşir Ağa Camii ve Hamamı), who was the chief black eunuch of Mahmud I, are located close to the imperial stables.

circa 1460 CE

Imperial Stables (Istabl-ı Âmire)
The imperial stables or the privy stables, located around five to six meters below ground level, were constructed under Mehmed II and renovated under Suleyman. A vast collection of harness "treasures" (Raht Hazinesi) are kept in the privy stables. Located on the Golden Horn Side of the second yard, the imperial stables of the Topkapi Palace housed the horses that only Sultan and high ranked people of Enderûn rode.

circa 1460 CE

Tower of Justice (Adalet Kulesi)
The Tower of Justice is located between the Imperial Council and the Harem. It is several stories high and the tallest structure in the palace, making it clearly visible from the Bosphorus as a landmark. The tower was probably originally constructed under Mehmed II and then renovated and enlarged by Suleiman I between 1527-1529 CE. Sultan Mahmud II rebuilt the lantern of the tower in 1825 CE while retaining the Ottoman base. The tall windows with engaged columns and the Renaissance pediments evoke the Palladian style.

circa 1460 CE

Imperial Council Hall (Dîvân-ı Hümâyûn)
The Imperial Council building was first built during the reign of Mehmed II. It is where the Imperial Council—consisting of the Grand Vizier (Vazīr-e Azam) and other council ministers (Dîvân Heyeti)—held meetings. The present building dates from the period of Süleyman the Magnificent; the chief architect was Alseddin. It had to be restored after the Harem fire of 1665.

circa 1460 CE

The Gate of Felicity (Bâb-üs Saâde)
It is the entrance into the Third Courtyard which comprises the private and residential areas of the palace. The gate was probably constructed under Mehmed II in the 15th century. It was redecorated in the rococo style in 1774 under Sultan Mustafa III and during the reign of Mahmud II. The gate is further decorated with Qur'anic verses and tuğras above the entrance. The Sultan used this gate and the Divan Meydanı square only for special ceremonies. The Sultan sat before the gate on his Bayram throne on religious, festive days and accession, when the subjects and officials perform their homage standing.

circa 1460 CE

Palace Kitchens (Saray Mutfakları)
The kitchens were built when the palace was first constructed in the 15th century and expanded during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent. They were modeled on the kitchens of Edirne Palace. The kitchens are located on an internal street stretching between the Second Courtyard and the Marmara Sea. The entrance to this section is through the three doors in the portico of the Second Courtyard. Apart from exhibiting kitchen utensils, today the buildings contain a silver gifts collection, as well as a large collection of porcelain.

circa 1460 CE

Outer Imperial Treasury (Dış hazine)
This treasury was used to finance the administration of the state. Although it contains no dated inscriptions, its construction technique and plan suggest that it was built at the end of the 15th century during the reign of Süleiman I. It subsequently underwent numerous alterations and renovations. It is a hall built of stone and brick with eight domes. In 1928, four years after the Topkapı Palace was converted into a museum, its collection of arms and armor was put on exhibition in this building.