When you enter the Third Courtyard of Topkapi Palace, the first building is the Audience Hall (Arz odası). Here, at the end of the meetings of the Council, the Grand Viziers and other high ranking officials waited on the Sultan and submitted him the decisions of the Council which was not considered final until they had received the Sultan's assent. This chamber was also used for official receptions of foreign ambassadors and diplomats upon their arrival and departure. (Location: Istanbul)

Uploaded by slavica on 5/13/2007, viewed 8362 times.