One of some pictures, some in detail, of the Bab-üs Saadet or Gate of Felicity, seen from the Second Court. It guarded the entrance to the private parts of the Palace. The gate proper goes back to the time of Fatih, was reconstructed in the later 16th century and redecorated in rococo style in the 18th. The sultan would sit here at his accession and at public festivities on his gold and emerald throne to receive homage.
Scanned from slide, older picture in poor colour.