THE TILED PAVILION (ÇİNİLİ KÖŞK)

This is the striking two-storied, building opposite the Archeological Museum. It is actually the first pavilion of the Topkapı Palace and was built by Mehmet the Conqueror. This summer pavilion dating back to 1472 is an example of early Ottoman architecture influenced by the Selçuks, with a facade in which colorful movement is achieved by columns, a balcony with an antechamber, and cut tile decorations. There is a long inscription on the wall beside the door.

The domed entrance section is flanked with vaulted rooms. Here 13th-19th century Selçuk and Ottoman ceramics and tiles are exhibited in chronological order. 16th century tiles from Iznik constitute one of the most important collections of the museum.