Tower of Justice

Adalet Kulesi (Tower of Justice) has been always surprisingly inconspicuous, although it was intended to be built as a symbol of sultan’s eternal stance against injustice. The tower was built as an extension of Topkapı Palace. Adalet Kulesi is easily recognizable as the tallest part of Topkapı Palace.

Adalet Kulesi was constructed by Mehmet II after he captured Constantinople. Mehmet II developed an elegant system for council meetings, starting with the state council being chaired by the grand vizier. The Sultan separated himself from his council by glass dividing walls, which made him invisible. If the sultan had intended on watching the meeting, he drew the curtains, indicating to the council members understood he had been watching. If not, the council members would have never known whether or not the sultan had watched. All critical state decisions were determined in Adalet Tower. The tower experienced everything alongside the Ottoman Empire. It witnessed its last exciting decision in summer of 1826 when the state council decided to destroy Janissary army. Mahmud II approved of the action, and monster canons were put in place and the Janissaries were exterminated. The battle took place in history as Vaka-i Hayriye. It means auspicious event.

Adalet Kulesi was of vital importance until the state council relocated to the Ottoman Porte. Adalet Kulesi is now open for visitors, giving many nice poses to photographers.