First, you’ll be treated to the stunning architecture of the palace, with four courtyards, early Ottoman architecture featuring mosaics and wall paintings, and beautiful gardens. You’ll see where the Imperial Council met in a domed chamber, the Audience Chamber where the Grand Vizier would meet with the Sultan to present the decrees agreed on by the Imperial Council and where the Sultan would meet with foreign ambassadors, and the Baghdad Pavilion which looks out over the Bosphorus. The Sacred Relics collection includes many relics collected by the Ottoman Emperors over their reigns, including the Prophet’s tooth, hair from his beard, and items attributed to other prophets and religious figures, including the sword of David and the staff of Moses. The palace complex also includes the church of Hagia Irene, the second-largest Byzantine church after the Hagia Sophia. Hagia Irene was never converted into a mosque. Instead, the Ottomans used it as an armory and then a military history museum. One of the most popular areas to visit is the Harem, which was inhabited by the women of the Imperial family, including concubines, and the eunuchs who guarded them. On a trip to the Harem, you’ll see private courtyards, apartments, baths (hammams), privy chambers, and a small mosque.