The Ottoman Sultans built various castles and palaces in Istanbul from the end of the Byzantine Period (15th century) to the 19th century. While some sultans resided in different towns, such as young princes learning to reign in Amasya, the majority of these spectacular palaces are located in the empire's capital, Istanbul. Some of these palaces served as the principal residence, while others served as vacation residences. If you are interested in royal luxury and history, we have compiled a list of five palaces and five pavilions (mini-palaces) that you should visit during your vacation to Istanbul.
Topkapı Palace
Six years after capturing Istanbul and eventually Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II built Topkapı Palace on what was once the acropolis during the Byzantium era. That would make Topkapi Palace the first of Istanbul's Ottoman palaces. This palace is notable for its architectural style, which differs from the prevalent Western and Eastern styles of the time.
Topkapı Palace contains four main courtyards, each serving a particular purpose. The second courtyard, for example, served as the administrative headquarters, while the fourth features numerous lovely pavilions and gazebos. You may want to pay a little more for a guided tour to acquire a better understanding of the palace.
Until the 17th century, Topkapı Palace was the main royal home of the Ottoman sultans. The sultans then lived in different Palaces around the Bosphorus waterway. Topkapı still has some administrative duties at the time.
Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1924, the palace was converted into a museum. This location was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1985.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Sultan Abdulmecid commissioned the Armenian Balyan Family to build Dolmabahçe Palace. The Sultan planned to build this palace because he believed Topkapi was ancient and deteriorating. Furthermore, he wished for the Ottoman Empire to have a palace to rival Europe's many exquisite castles and palaces.
Dolmabahçe Palace was utilized from 1856 to 1887 and again from 1902 to 1922. This would make it one of the Ottoman sultans' final palaces. Surprisingly, the last sultan to reside here was also named Abdulmecid.
During this time, the Sultan resided in Yildiz Palace. The royal family found themselves in a quandary as a result of the construction of his new castle. The Ottoman Empire's economy had fallen to such an extent that Europe referred to it as the "sick man."
This palace was turned into a Presidential House during the republic period. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk used the palace as a summer residence and wrote some of his most important works here.
While the main presidential palace is in Ankara, there is also a presidential office in Dolmabahçe Palace, where the Turkish President works and meets guests.
Beylerbeyi Palace
When you enter inside this 19th-century stunning palace, you may find yourself wishing that all holiday houses were like this! Beylerbeyi means "lord of the lords," and the name is appropriate given that Beylerbeyi Palace is unquestionably one of Istanbul's most gorgeous palaces.
Beylerbeyi Palace is located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus strait. Technically, it is also the last palace in which the Ottoman sultans resided, as it was where Sultan Abdulmecid II was imprisoned.
Although the construction began during Sultan Mahmud's reign, Sultan Abdulaziz elevated Beylerbeyi Palace to its current splendour. After a fire, he dismantled the original structure and rebuilt it. During the Ottoman Empire, Beylerbeyi Palace served as a state guest house, hosting Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, German Emperor Wilhelm II, and Prince Nikola of Montenegro.
Even during the early days of modern Turkey, Turkish President Atatürk enjoyed entertaining guests at Beylerbeyi Palace. Anyone who appreciates architecture should not miss a visit to the beautiful summer palace as a relic of the empire, with its spectacular gardens and elaborate ornate ceilings.
Yıldız Palace
It means the "Star Palace." Yıldız Palace is another of Istanbul's UNESCO-listed palaces. It's on the preliminary list of how European architecture merges with Ottoman Empire architecture. This might be due to the fact that Raimondo D'Aronco, an Italian architect, was one of the main architects working on the pavilions.
Tourists may be glad to learn that there is a link with Çırağan Palace through a bridge in the parks/gardens, which might provide a two-for-one opportunity. It is likewise near to Dolmabahçe Palace, although, unlike the latter, it does not overlook the Bosphorus.
Abdulhamid used this building during the years 1876-1909 though specific pavilions date back to the Sultan Abdülaziz era. During that time, the sultan expanded the pavilions to establish a small city with: an opera house, carpenter shop, as well as an imperial porcelain factory. The latter revived the ceramic trade in Anatolia, and it had furniture imported from Europe.
Now, the Palace is a museum, and it features a library that art-lovers and bibliophiles must visit. The library hosts a vast collection of books and photographs too.
Çırağan Palace
Do you want to feel like one of the many Ottoman Sultans? In fact, you don’t have to travel back in time to the Ottoman period, the Çırağan Palace is located near some of the palaces on this list. Its construction began in the 19th Century. It was established in the era when each sultan desired his place rather than living in their parent’s home. Sultan Abdulaziz, who died a few years after, built this palace. You can now enjoy what he couldn’t!
Because Çırağan Palace may be the only one of the stunning palaces in Istanbul in which you can stay, we say you don’t need a time-travelling machine. The Sultan’s Suite which is the most luxurious accommodation in Istanbul ranked the 14th on CNN’s ‘World’s 15 most expensive hotel suites’. Kempinski Hotels are in charge of this Place.
Like the other palaces above, it’s close to the tourist spots. You can easily take a ride to the Asian side to visit the extraordinary Beylerbeyi Palace. Otherwise, you can walk or even take a cab to see the crystal chandeliers in Dolmabahçe Palace or see the breath-taking gardens of Yıldız Palace. However, the historic Topkapı palace which served most of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire is relatively distant from this hotel.
The garden functioned as a football stadium for Besiktas throughout their establishment years which may impress the football fans.
The Pavilions
A complex of pavilions used by the sultans may be found a bit outside of the city centre. They're a little off the tourist road, but they're still easily accessible from Istanbul. These are more akin to leisure areas and holiday houses than palaces. Furthermore, they are far less expensive than luxurious palaces. If you're feeling adventurous, we've listed a few of them below.
Ihlamur Kasrı
The Ihlamur Pavilion was once a property purchased by Sultan Ahmed in the 18th century. It began as a shooting range for the royal family, but it quickly evolved into a leisure area for them. The stones denoting the dates and shots of Sultan Selim III and Mahmud II may still be seen today.
Sultan Selim III extended the pavilion throughout time, adding charming cobblestone walks, gorgeous ponds, and exquisite paintings in each chamber. The Ihlamur Pavilion has attracted a diverse range of visitors, including Serbian political figures and French poets. It's a peaceful respite from Istanbul's rush and bustle.
The cafe in the harem has that enticing opulent atmosphere. The neo-baroque stairway of the ceremonial pavilion has that subtle elegance—fun fact: the tiles around the fireplace were manufactured at the porcelain factory at Yıldız Palace.
Küçüksu Kasrı
The Küçüksu Pavilion is located in an area known as the Sweet Waters of Asia due to its natural beauty.
Though visitors have forgotten about it, it is still an intriguing place to visit. The reason for this is that it was constructed to showcase the majesty of the Ottoman Empire. This is the Ottoman Sultans' equivalent of Instagram models posing in front of fancy automobiles.
One may see why: this could have been the Sultan's first pavilion, rather than his own. This pavilion was created for Mahmud I by the grand vizier. It has also welcomed several important visitors, including Prince Edward VII, Prince of Wales.
Charles Sechan, a French stage designer whose earlier works include the Vienna State Opera, designed the beautiful interior.
Aynalıkavak Kasrı
Because it was formerly part of the shipyard palace, the Aynalkavak Pavilion is also known as the Aynalkavak Palace (also known as Tersane Palace). The audience hall where the Sultan would greet his visitors is so exquisite. Poems are carved on the windows of the Hasoda section.
Maslak Kasrı
The peacefulness of Maslak Pavilion is something that the larger palaces in Istanbul can't quite match. It was called from the dispersal of water. After Abdulhamid came to the throne, this pavilion gradually transformed into Çiftlikât-ı Hümâyûn, a Royal farm. Although not all structures have remained, the Reception Area, the Harem, the Turkish Bath, the servant's quarters, and the tent pavilion in the back is rather fine examples of the sort of architecture favoured by the Ottoman upper class.
There's a magnificent lemon grove that will take you to another dimension. The greenhouse contains uncommon species since gardening and farming were a pastime of the Ottoman empire's final ruler. There are beautiful camellias on the orchard grounds. In Istanbul, these are said to be the oldest of their kind.
The tent pavilion in the garden has been converted into a café. It's a great place to pause, contemplate, and ponder life's major concerns.
Beykoz Mecidiye Kasrı
As a gift, Egyptian Governor Mehmed Ali Pasha began work of the Beykoz Mecidiye Pavilion. This castle and pavilion, unlike others, features colourful walls and outside. Anyone who grew up watching Disney may be reminded of the ball sequences in Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Anastasia by the staircases with double arms. Everything about this building – from the crimson carpets to the thick drapes to the twin balconies – exudes a fantasy atmosphere that should not be missed.
Final words
Istanbul is one of Europe's most attractive cities. With its rich history, gorgeous Ottoman-era palaces, and world-class cuisine scene, it's no surprise that this city has been named a top tourist destination by several magazines. It is also home to approximately 3 million individuals that call it home.
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