Istanbul Beylerbeyi Palace

Centrally located at the Anatolian Side of Istanbul, right below the Bosporus Bridge, the Beylerbeyi Palace has a substantial place among the Istanbul palaces and cultural heritages.

Dating back to Byzantine Period, the Beylerbeyi Palace, used to be known as “Cruciform Gardens” was occupied as one of the private gardens of the sultans in the Ottoman Period. Naming the palace as “Beylerbeyi” was based on the manor of Beylerbeyi (Turkish expression for “Lord of the Lords”) Mehmed Pasha built on there in the 16^th Century.

The current structure of the Beylerbeyi Palace, attracted attention of numerous Ottoman sultans since early times and evaluated under a distinct category with the manors and pavilions constructed at this area, was commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz. The construction of the Beylerbeyi Palace, built on the ruins of wooden Sahil (Seaside) Palace pulled down by Mahmud II was taken place between 1861 – 1865 by Sarkis Balyan, renowned architect of the period.

The Beylerbeyi Palace, used as a summer residence and a place to entertain visiting heads of foreign states since the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz, has opened its doors to the Empress Eugénie of France, Shah of Iran, King of Montenegro and Serbian Princess throughout the history. Available for visits every day, except Mondays and Thursdays, between 09:30 and 17:00, the Beylerbeyi Palace has witnessed the historical process between the dethroning and death of Abdulhamid II (1918).

This magnificent palace, in where both Western and Eastern styles are blended in harmony, makes an indelible impression with its interior and exterior design. The decorations and ornaments of the Beylerbeyi Palace, consisting of two main sections, Harem (women’s only) and Selamlık (men’s only), as in typical Ottoman palaces, are more elegant and glamorous in the Harem section. A partition of the palace (basement floor) consisting of 26 rooms, six halls and three entrances was used as a kitchen and a storeroom. The Beylerbeyi Palace, drawing attention to the floors preventing moisture and offering resistance to heat, is covered with Egyptian reed matting.