We will tell you about the most magnificent palaces of Istanbul, which are astonishing in their majesty and beauty.
Istanbul truly embodies the imperial grandeur of Byzantines, Romans, Ottomans, and Latins. Throughout its history, it has been known by different names but has consistently attracted people from all over the world.
Istanbul's palaces
Istanbul's palatial structures are a testament to its rich history and architectural splendour. This Turkish city is like a living museum, and exploring its streets is an adventure filled with awe-inspiring sights. The centuries-old architecture of Istanbul's palaces mesmerizes visitors with its intricate details and stunning beauty. These unique palace complexes serve as the main draw for tourists, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the past and immersing them in the city's fascinating cultural heritage.
The palace-town consists of four courtyards with many rooms and living quarters, parks, pools and fountains.
A whole collection of exhibits and attributes of luxury of the 7th-19th centuries will not leave you indifferent.
Working hours and cost
Museum works almost every day, closed on Tuesdays.
From April 15 to November 1, the palace opens its doors from 9:00 to 19:00.
From November 1 to April 15, it welcomes guests from 9:00 to 15:00.
Entrance fee - 60 TRY. You will have to pay 35 TRY for visiting the harem.
Ibrahim Pasha's Palace
Located near the central square of Istanbul, the magnificent Ibrahim Pasha Palace stands as a gift from the influential and renowned Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent to his friend. Construction of the palace began in the 16th century, and it served as a venue for ceremonial and social events.
Since 1938, the palace has become a museum dedicated to Islamic-Turkish art.
The museum houses valuable exhibits dating back to the 8th to 19th centuries and has been recognized by UNESCO and the Council of Europe with prestigious awards.
Each year, the number of visitors wishing to admire its beauty continues to grow.
Aynaly Kavak
Located on the shoreline of Golden Horn Bay, the pavilion silently recalls the grandeur of the former residence of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Once there was a whole complex of buildings from the XVII-XIX centuries.
In 1985, it began functioning as a museum, with luxurious flower gardens adorning its surroundings.
The pavilion seamlessly combines classical Ottoman architecture with magnificent Venetian glass mirrors adorning its halls.
Downstairs, in the basement, there is a collection with musical instruments exhibited in honor of the composer Sultan Selim III.
Park and garden complexes of Istanbul
Yyldyz
The complex is located along the waterfront of the Bosphorus. At first, you can enjoy exotic, unusual flowers and tropical flora along the palace alleys and pavilions. And then explore the beauty of the castle, which combines several architectural styles.
The Ceremonial Hall deserves special attention. Its ceiling is decorated with shining stars, the floor is covered with a silk carpet.
Visitors are also fascinated by the Mother-of-Pearl Salon with a door that looks like it is woven with mother-of-pearl patterns.
Importantly, unlike other residences of Turkish sultans, Yıldız Park is not divided into separate sections for men and women.
Beylerbey
Beylerbeyi Palace was built during the reign of Abdulaziz, who intended to host foreign visitors there. The park is adorned with a large pool and elegant sculptures, amidst lush greenery.
A stone tunnel under a vaulted ceiling leads to a building of 6 halls and 26 rooms. It is a prime example of classical baroque.
Combined with laurels, blooming magnolia, chestnut trees and lawns with a white marble building.
Working hours and cost
The museum is open to the public every day except Monday and Thursday.
The doors are open for guests from 9:00 to 17:00.
The cost of the entrance ticket is 20 TRY.
Learn
In Emirgan Park, where century-old lime trees thrive, two magnificent 19th-century structures, known as the İhlamur Complex, can be found. They were built for Sultan Abdulmejid:
Merasim Pavilion. It hosted important guests from Europe. It was constructed using marble and white sandstone, and the interior showcases a skilful fusion of Eastern luxury and European style.
Mayet Pavilion. It was occupied by the Sultan, along with his courtiers and beautiful concubines.
In the 1980s, extensive restoration work was carried out, and the buildings were opened to the public.
Palace complexes of the 19th century in Istanbul
Maslak
This complex of palace pavilions was built in the 19th century on the Bosphorus coast. Four pavilion-mansions, made in the Ottoman style, remained intact:
Kasr-y Humayun. The two-story structure with a balcony and mansard, adorned with intricate frescoes on all ceilings and walls. It housed the sultan's study and personal bedroom.
Cadir Keshkiu. Located on the edge of a forest park, this two-story wooden mansion showcases Ottoman architecture.
Pashalar Dairesi or the General's Quarters. The single-story building is characterized by lavish interiors, including Turkish baths.
Mabein-i Humayun. Served as a summer residence.
Kucuksu
Also known as the Palace of the Göksu Waters due to its location on the banks of the small Göksu River. It is an example of combining Baroque and Rococo elements. The three-story building was constructed between 1856 and 1857. Küçüksu is distinguished by its ornate wooden carvings on the external facade.
There is a swimming pool and a fountain in the garden. Visitors will be captivated by the palace's interior, which includes:
rare tables;
Baroque staircase;
carpets of Persian, Turkish and Iranian manufacturers;
mirrors in exclusive frames;
Czech glass chandeliers;
gold-painted ceiling.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is a true architectural marvel that took a staggering 13 years to build. It holds the record for the amount of silver and gold used in its construction. Before the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, it served as the residence for the sultans, and later, President Atatürk used it for political meetings.
The guided tour of the palace allows visitors to admire its incredibly lavish interior:
crystal staircase;
exclusive handmade Iranian carpets;
a gift from the Tsar of the Russian Empire Nicholas II - a bearskin;
collections of crystal, porcelain and precious items;
a gift from Queen Victoria of England - a unique chandelier.
Additionally, the museum features a mini-exhibition of paintings by the artist Ivan Aivazovsky, who was admired by Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz, one of the former owners of the palace.
Opening hours and entrance fees
The Palace Museum is open for visitors every day except Monday and Thursday.
Visiting hours are from 9:00 to 16:00.
The admission fees vary:
To view all parts of the palace you need to pay 40 TRY.
A tour of the ceremonial section of the palace will cost 30 TRY.
A tour of the Clock Museum, Glass Pavilion and Harem costs 20 TRY.
Byzantine palaces in Istanbul
Tekfur
Today, these are just the ruins of a once luxurious complex of several buildings - Blachernae of the 13th century. One of these buildings, Tekfur Palace, once served as the residence of the Byzantine emperor.
When the palace was captured by the Ottomans, they transformed it into a menagerie with African predators as a sign of disrespect to the former ruler. Later, the site was used for clay pottery workshops and even as a shelter for the homeless.
Today, visitors can only see the walls made of red and white bricks and the arched openings that stand as silent witnesses to its former grandeur.
Blachernae Palace
It began to be erected during the time of Emperor Anastase in the area of Golden Horn Bay. The palace was used as a country residence, but later Byzantine emperors lived there on a permanent basis. Over time, it expanded its territory until it occupied an entire neighbourhood.
The Blachernae Palace was rumoured to be a place of immense wealth and luxury, adorned with marble slabs and precious treasures. After the fall of Byzantium, the area fell into decline, and today, seeing only the ruins, it is difficult to imagine its former glory.
Bucoleon
Located on a hill near the Sea of Marmara, only a wall covered in climbing plants remains today. However, this site was once the majestic Bukoleon Palace. It was built for Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century. Facing the shore, it was adorned with sculptures of a lion and a bull, from which it derived its name. Interestingly, these sculptures are now exhibited in the Istanbul Archaeological Museums.
Castles of Ottoman princesses in Istanbul
Adile Sultan Palace
This architectural gem was built for Princess Adile, a renowned imperial poetess, who bequeathed her palace to a women's lyceum. The building had over 60 rooms for various functions.
Its history is somewhat tragic - in 1986, a devastating fire severely damaged the palace. Restoration work was completed in 2006, thanks to the efforts of the Lyceum Alumni Foundation and philanthropist Sabanci, in whose honour a cultural and educational centre was established here. Regular seminars, important events, and conferences are held at the palace.
Esma Sultan's Palace
It belonged to the daughter of Abdul-Hamid I - Esme. The palace, like all other similar buildings, is covered with legends that still excite tourists from all over the world. Every centimetre of the three-story building embodied the "golden age" of the Ottoman Empire. The modern look is identical to the original design. Its modern exterior remains true to the original design. The interior features more contemporary elements, such as glass and steel materials, as the building is now owned by a well-known hotel chain.
It seems that every corner of Istanbul breathes history, and it truly does. To get to know the city better and uncover all its secrets, one would need more than just a day.
