Like every important residential place, it has a public part or Salamlik, where the master received his guests
and dealt with his business affairs when necessary, and a private section reserved for the personal use of the
owner, his family, and household. The Salamlik is arranged around a small yard off the south-western wing (to the
right when you enter) of the palace. The Haramlik, or private section, is set around another yard much larger than
the former, and is protected for privacy behind three doors arranged as a baffle.
The impact of the Haramlik yard on the visitor is considerable. One admires the harmony of its colors, the elegance
of the arches of its galleries, the discrete charm of its fountain and decorations. Rooms are in-keeping with this
external magnificence by their 18th and 19th century furniture, their ceilings often made of
multicolored wooden
marquetry, and sumptuous execution in which brightness is enhanced by the use of costumed models. You will certainly
be seduced in particular by the Iwan, a large vaulted hall opening wide onto the yard, which is a traditional element
of oriental architecture. The bath is astonishing with its contrasts of diaphanous light and shade. It is divided
into many small rooms, each offering a different temperature. |
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