Topkapi Palace – Circumcision Room & Revan Kiosk

The Summer Pavilion was built by Sultan Ibrahim in 1640.  As this place was used for the circumcision ceremonies of the crown princes, it is also called the Circumcision Room.  The walls are covered with rare samples of Ottoman tiles.  The most important of these are the blue and white tile panels, dated 1529, influenced by far-eastern ceremics on the chamber facade.

The Revan Kiosk was built in 1635-6 to commemorate the Revan Campaign and victory of Murad IV.  It is also called the Sank Odasi, the Chamber of Turbans, as the turbans worn by the sultans were kept here. 

With its marble decorations and tiles dating to the 17th century, this pavilion is one of the last examples of classical Ottoman architecture.

The building was used as the Library of the Privy Chamber after 1733, with the donations of Sultan Mahmud I.

Helen