Sacred Relics (Topkapı Palace)
The various relics of Muhammad, his followers, and other items purportedly associated with Muhammad were brought to Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, where they remain to this day.
Topkapı Palace
Surrounded by high walls, the First Courtyard ("I. Avlu" or "Alay Meydanı") functioned as an outer precinct or park and is the largest of all the courtyards of the palace. The steep slopes leading towards the sea had already been terraced under Byzantine rule. Some of the historical structures of the First Courtyard no longer exist. The structures that remain are the former Imperial Mint ("Darphane-i Âmire", constructed in 1727), the church of Hagia Irene and various fountains. The Byzantine church of Hagia Irene was used by the Ottomans as a storehouse and imperial armoury. This courtyard was also known as the Court of the Janissaries or the Parade Court. Court officials and janissaries would line the path dressed in their best garbs. Visitors entering the palace would follow the path towards the Gate of Salutation and the Second Courtyard of the palace.