For the Italian comune, see Porte, Italy. Ottoman Porte, (Sublime Porte, High Porte, Ottoman Turkish Bab-? Ali) used to refer to the Divan (court) of the Ottoman Empire where government policies were established. Terminology The particular term was used in the context of diplomacy by the western states, as their diplomats were received at "porte" (meaning gate). During the constitution period (see Young Turk Revolution) the functions of the Divan were replaced by the imperial government, and "porte" came to refer to the Foreign Ministry. During this period Grand vizier came to refer to the position of a president and viziers became the Ottoman Senate. The Sublime Porte was the name of the open court of the sultan, led by the Grand Vizier. It got its name from the gate to the headquarters of the Grand Vizier in Topkap

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