The Second Courtyard began beyond the Bab-us Selam Gate, or the Gate of Salutation. It is simply impossible not to notice the two enormous towers on either side of it. Long ago, peacocks, fallow deer, and goats roamed freely in the shade of the cypresses in the Second Courtyard. Now, however, you can see only numerous tourists here.
The rooms right by the Gate of Salutation were intended for visitors waiting for an audience with the sultan, as well as for the gatekeepers and the chief gardener, who was also the chief executioner. The Divan, or state council, met in the building located on the left side of the courtyard. All decisions regarding administrative affairs were made at the Divan.
By the way, have you heard of the famous Eye of the Sultan - the latticed window above the Divan of the Grand Vizier? Through it, the sultans secretly watched the discussions of the state council. Well, it has survived to this day! Be sure to find it during your walk.
And opposite the Divan building is the Palace Kitchens, where food was prepared for the hundreds of people living in Topkapi.
