The Topkapı Palace Harem, a secluded area off the second courtyard, The harem was the private residence of the sultan, his family, his concubines and numerous servants whiich I did not have time to visit. The harem mosque was buiilt in the 17th century andwas a prayer hall for the sultan’s mother, sisters and daughters, but also for his first consort and other senior women of the harem.