The Gilded Cage in Topkapi. The Sultans initially used a succession system based on fatricide. The death of a Sultan would lead to a flurry of stranglings, stabbings and other grisley acts as the rightful heir made sure that no one had second thoughts about his abilities. In the 17th century the system was changed and all heirs were allowed to live but within the strict confines of the harem often as prisoners. A future sultan may ascend the throne without ever having left the gilded cage, interacted with men or even seen the outside world. This building housed the heir and the first runner up.