Palace of the Porphyrogenitus. Constructed during the early 13th century as part of the palace complex of Blachernae. Named after Constantine Palaiologos, son of the Emperor Michael VIII. Porphyrogenitus literally means "Born to the Purple", indicating a child born to a reigning Emperor. The palace was an Imperial residence during the final years of the Byzantine Empire. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it housed part of the Sultan's menagerie, following their removal at the end of the 17th century the building was used as a brothel. Later produced ceramics and by the 1st house of the 19th century the building was in use as a poorhouse for Istanbul Jews. Only remaining surviving example of secular Byzantine architecture.