History Of Beylerbey Palace, also known as the Beylerbeyi Palace, is a historical palace on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It has a rich history and has been an essential landmark in the region for centuries.
The palace was constructed during the mid-19th century, specifically between 1861 and 1865, during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz, who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1861 to 1876. The palace was designed by the Armenian architect Sarkis Balyan, who was also responsible for creating several other prominent buildings in Istanbul, including the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Çırağan Palace.
The Beylerbey Palace was initially built as a summer residence for Sultan Abdulaziz and was intended to be used as a place to entertain foreign dignitaries and high-ranking officials. The palace was also used as a hunting lodge for recreational activities such as boating and picnicking along the Bosphorus Strait.
The Beylerbey Palace is known for its exquisite architecture, blending Ottoman, European, and Eastern elements. The palace features a mix of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architectural styles, ornate decorations, marble facades, and elaborate interior designs. A large garden surrounds the palace, offering stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait and the European side of Istanbul.
Over the years, the Beylerbey Palace has been the site of various historical events and has hosted several important guests, including foreign dignitaries and heads of state. It was also used for diplomatic meetings and official receptions during the late Ottoman Empire period.
After the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the Beylerbey Palace was converted into a museum and opened to the public. Today, visitors can admire the palace’s architecture, interior design, and historical artifacts. The Beylerbey Palace is considered one of Istanbul’s architectural gems and remains an important cultural landmark in Turkey, showcasing the country’s rich history and heritage.
Why should we visit Beylerbey Palace?
There are many reasons to visit Beylerbeyi Palace, such as:
- To admire its elegant architecture that combines Ottoman and Western styles with features such as marble façades, wooden interiors, crystal chandeliers, and porcelain ornaments.
- Explore its interior rooms that showcase the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans and their guests, such as the reception hall with a fountain and a pool, the harem baths, and the staterooms.
- To learn about its history and the stories of the famous people who stayed there, such as Empress Eugénie of France, who the sultan’s mother slapped for a breach of etiquette, Sultan Abdulhamid II, who was exiled there until his death, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor who visited in the 20th century.
- Enjoy its scenic location on the shore of the Bosphorus, with a view of the bridge that connects Europe and Asia and its beautiful gardens and pavilions that offer a peaceful retreat from the city.
- To see its quirky features, such as the giant metal cat sculpture that roams the courtyard
If you want to visit Beylerbey Palace, some of our Bus tours have a one-hour stop at Beylerbey Palace! In addition, we have several tours and options that will satisfy you and make a good memory of Istanbul for you.
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