Bab-us Selam leads into the Second Courtyard of Topkapi Palace Museum . This courtyard measures 110m x 170m and is covered by arcades on four sides . It is the place where the official area of the palace starts . The yard was called Divan Square or Justice Square as it was symbolizing fundamental missions of the state . The sultan is the only person who can enter this courtyard on his horse and he used to appear here two times , in the religious festivals . It was also the place were the funeral ceremonies and accession rituals were carried out .
In this courtyard , at the right side , sultan’s cars are exhibited . There are also three doors open form the arcades on the right side of the courtyard and lead to the palace’s kitchen while at the left corner of the courtyard , there is Kubbealti and Exterior Treasury (Weapons Section) . At the end of the Second Courtyard , Bab-us Saade is located with its wide fringes and elegant columns and opens to the Third Courtyard of Topkapi Palace Museum .
Entrance to Harem section is located at the counters adjacent to Kubbealti building . Visitors who want to visit Harem section can enter from here and then they would proceed to the Third Courtyard from Kashhane gate , after finishing their
tour of the Harem section .
