The Imperial Lodge

This is actually within the boundaries of the first court, but is situated at the entrance of what is now a public park, Gulhane Park, once part of the palace grounds. The Loge was built during the reign of Mahmut II (1808 - 1839) in typical composit Baroque and Empire style. It was from here that the Sultan watched the ceremonial March - past. Over the window arch overlooking the street is an inscription in prose, inscribed by the calligrapher Hattat İzzet Efendi in gilded metal characters on black stone. The building contains an ethnographical collection.