Location: Abdullah Aga Cad, Beylerbeyi Mahalessi, Asian side Map
Constructed: 1829–1832 by Sultan Abdülaziz
Tel. (0216) 321 93 20
Bus: 15
Open: 9:30am- 6pm Tue- Wed & Fri- Sun
Beylerbeyi Palace, located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey, is a stunning example of 19th-century Ottoman architecture. Built between 1861 and 1865 under the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, it served as a summer residence for the Ottoman sultans and a state guest house for dignitaries. Its blend of Ottoman, European, and Eastern architectural styles, along with its picturesque waterfront setting, makes it one of Istanbul’s most iconic imperial residences.
Beylerbeyi Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz, who sought a
modern, luxurious residence to replace an earlier wooden palace on the
same site. The name "Beylerbeyi" translates to "Lord of Lords,"
reflecting its grandeur and the prominence of the surrounding
neighborhood. The palace was designed by the renowned Ottoman-Armenian
architect Sarkis Balyan, a member of the influential Balyan family, who
were responsible for many of Istanbul’s imperial structures.
The
palace served multiple purposes:
Summer Residence: Ottoman
sultans used it to escape the heat of Istanbul and entertain guests in a
more relaxed setting than the formal Topkapı or Dolmabahçe Palaces.
Guest House: It hosted prominent foreign dignitaries, including Empress
Eugénie of France (1869), Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary, and
Nasiruddin Shah of Persia.
Residence for Royalty: After the
deposition of Sultan Abdülhamid II in 1909, he was confined to
Beylerbeyi Palace until his death in 1918.
Following the
establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, the palace was
occasionally used for state functions but largely fell into disrepair.
It was restored in the 1970s and opened to the public as a museum in
1984, managed by the Directorate of National Palaces.
Beylerbeyi Palace is a two-story structure with a rectangular plan,
covering approximately 2,500 square meters. Its architecture is a
harmonious blend of neoclassical, baroque, and traditional Ottoman
elements, with influences from European and Eastern design traditions.
The palace is divided into three main sections: the Mabeyn (men’s
quarters), Harem (women’s quarters), and the Valide Sultan Apartment
(for the sultan’s mother).
Exterior
Location and Layout: The
palace is situated directly on the Bosphorus, with its façade oriented
toward the water, offering breathtaking views of the European shore. Its
white marble exterior gleams against the waterfront, giving it a serene,
almost ethereal appearance.
Symmetry and Ornamentation: The façade is
symmetrical, with a central entrance flanked by tall windows and
decorative arches. The roofline features a low, gently sloping design
typical of Ottoman architecture, with wide eaves supported by ornate
brackets.
Pavilions: Two small, elegant pavilions—the Marble Pavilion
and the Yellow Pavilion—flank the main building, adding to the palace’s
charm. These pavilions were used for relaxation and informal gatherings.
Entrance: The main entrance, facing the Bosphorus, is accessed via a
grand staircase leading to a terrace. The landward entrance, used for
ceremonial purposes, opens to the gardens and courtyard.
Interior
The interior of Beylerbeyi Palace is a masterpiece of opulence,
characterized by intricate craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and a fusion
of styles. The palace contains 26 rooms and 6 halls, each richly
decorated.
Materials and Craftsmanship:
Marble and Stone: The
palace uses high-quality white marble from Marmara Island for columns,
floors, and decorative elements. Polychrome marble adds vibrancy to the
interiors.
Woodwork: Intricate wood carvings, often gilded, adorn
ceilings, doors, and furniture. The use of rosewood, ebony, and walnut
is prominent.
Ceilings: The ceilings are painted with elaborate
frescoes depicting floral motifs, marine scenes (reflecting the
Bosphorus), and geometric patterns. Some feature trompe-l’oeil effects
to create a sense of depth.
Crystal Chandeliers: Bohemian and
Baccarat crystal chandeliers hang in major halls, adding sparkle and
grandeur. The largest chandelier, in the Ceremonial Hall, is a
highlight.
Carpets and Rugs: Handwoven Hereke carpets, produced in
the imperial workshops of Hereke, cover the floors. These carpets are
renowned for their intricate patterns and durability.
Porcelain and
Tiles: Chinese and Japanese porcelain vases, along with Iznik and
Kütahya tiles, decorate the interiors, showcasing the Ottoman
fascination with Eastern art.
Key Rooms and Halls:
Ceremonial
Hall (Salon with the Pool): The grandest space in the palace, this hall
features a central marble pool that served as a cooling fountain,
reflecting light from the Bosphorus through large windows. The hall’s
ceiling is adorned with marine-themed frescoes, and its chandelier is a
focal point.
Blue Hall: Named for its blue and white color scheme,
this hall is decorated with neoclassical motifs and serves as a
reception area. Its elegance reflects the palace’s role in hosting
dignitaries.
Mabeyn Apartment: The men’s quarters include the
sultan’s private study and reception rooms, furnished with
European-style furniture and Ottoman calligraphy panels.
Harem: The
women’s quarters are more secluded, with smaller, cozy rooms decorated
in pastel tones. The Valide Sultan’s room is particularly ornate, with
mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture and silk draperies.
Dining Room:
This room features a long mahogany table and European-style dining
chairs, reflecting the influence of Western customs on Ottoman court
life.
Functional Design:
The palace incorporates practical
elements, such as a ventilation system to keep the interiors cool during
summer. The pool in the Ceremonial Hall and strategically placed windows
enhance air circulation.
The separation of the Mabeyn and Harem
reflects Ottoman social customs, with distinct spaces for men and women.
The palace is surrounded by lush, terraced gardens that enhance its
scenic beauty. The gardens are meticulously landscaped, featuring:
Magnolia and Linden Trees: These provide shade and fragrance,
creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Fountains and Pools: Decorative
fountains and small pools are scattered throughout, reflecting Ottoman
garden aesthetics.
Bosphorus Views: The gardens offer unobstructed
views of the Bosphorus, with pathways leading to the water’s edge.
Tunnels and Stables: A unique feature is the 19th-century tunnel
connecting the palace to the hillside, used for discreet access. The
nearby stables, also designed by Sarkis Balyan, housed the sultan’s
horses and carriages.
The gardens were a place for leisure, where
sultans and their guests could enjoy tea, music, and the cool Bosphorus
breeze. Today, they remain a highlight for visitors, offering a peaceful
retreat from Istanbul’s bustle.
Beylerbeyi Palace is more than an architectural gem; it is a window
into the Ottoman Empire’s final century, a period of reform,
modernization, and cultural exchange. Its design reflects the empire’s
openness to Western influences while preserving traditional Ottoman
aesthetics. The palace’s role as a guest house underscores Istanbul’s
status as a global crossroads, where East met West.
Symbol of
Modernity: Sultan Abdülaziz’s patronage of the palace reflects the
Tanzimat reforms, which aimed to modernize the empire. The use of
European materials and styles alongside Ottoman traditions symbolizes
this blend of old and new.
Historical Events: The palace witnessed
key moments, such as the confinement of Abdülhamid II and visits by
European royalty, highlighting its diplomatic importance.
Museum and
Tourism: Today, Beylerbeyi Palace is a popular tourist attraction,
offering guided tours of the Mabeyn, Harem, and gardens. Visitors can
explore its lavish interiors and learn about Ottoman court life. The
palace’s location, accessible by ferry or bridge, makes it a must-visit
for those exploring Istanbul’s Asian side.
Location: Beylerbeyi, Üsküdar, Istanbul (Asian side, near the First
Bosphorus Bridge).
Access: Reachable by ferry from Eminönü or
Beşiktaş, or by bus/taxi from Üsküdar.
Hours: Open Tuesday,
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays
and Thursdays, subject to change).
Tickets: Entry requires a modest
fee (approximately 100–150 TRY as of 2025, with discounts for students).
Photography may require an additional permit.
Tours: Guided tours are
available in multiple languages, covering the palace’s history and key
rooms. The gardens can be explored independently.
Tips: Wear
comfortable shoes for the gardens, and visit early to avoid crowds.
Combine a visit with nearby attractions like Çengelköy or Küçüksu
Pavilion.
Empress Eugénie’s Visit: The French empress was so charmed by the
palace that she reportedly inspired the design of a similar fountain in
her own residence.
Sultan Abdülaziz’s Touch: The sultan, an artist
himself, contributed to the palace’s design, particularly the marine
motifs reflecting his love of the sea.
Hidden Details: Look for the
secret passages in the Harem, used by servants to move discreetly.