Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administrative and as the art center of the state. Get knowledge about the imperial treasury sacred islamic relics, palace kitchens and weapons. (Closed on Tuesday) The Harem, build at the end of the 16th century, was a labyrinth consisting of around 300 magnificently tiled rooms, connected by courtyards and fountain gardens. At its height, it was home (or prison) to over 1.000 harem women, children and black eunuchs.