Have you ever wondered what it was like to live like an Ottoman sultan? If so, you should definitely visit Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the most impressive and elegant palaces in Istanbul. Located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, this palace was the summer residence and guest house of the Ottoman sultans and their foreign dignitaries. It is a masterpiece of architecture and design, blending Eastern and Western influences in a harmonious way.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Beylerbeyi Palace, from its history and features to its visiting information and tips. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a nature enthusiast, you will find something to enjoy and admire at this hidden treasure on the Bosphorus.
History of Beylerbeyi Palace
The name Beylerbeyi means "the lord of lords" in Turkish, and it reflects the importance and prestige of this palace. The site of the palace dates back to Byzantine times, when it was called the "Crucifix Gardens" and was used as a hunting ground by Emperor Constantine. Later, it became a part of the Ottoman Empire, and several wooden palaces were built and destroyed by fire over the centuries. The current palace was built by Sultan Abdulaziz in the 1860s, with the help of the Armenian architects Sarkis and Agop Balyan, who were also responsible for many other Ottoman palaces and buildings. The palace was used as a summer retreat and a place to host important foreign guests, such as Empress Eugenie of France, Shah Nasireddin of Iran, and Prince Nicholas of Montenegro. The palace witnessed some historical events, such as the death of Sultan Abdulhamid II in 1918 and the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the palace was converted into a museum and opened to the public in 1984.
Interior of Beylerbeyi Palace
The interior of Beylerbeyi Palace is a feast for the eyes, with a rich and diverse collection of furniture, carpets, chandeliers, and porcelain. The palace has a traditional Turkish house plan, with separate sections for men and women, and a total of 26 rooms and six halls. The main entrance leads to the state floor, where the most impressive rooms are located. The first room you will see is the hall with the oval pool, which has a marble pool in the center and a fountain that sprays water up to the ceiling. The hall is decorated with blue and white tiles, crystal chandeliers, and European paintings. The next room is the blue hall, which is the largest and most magnificent room in the palace. It has a blue and gold ceiling, a huge Bohemian crystal chandelier, and a fireplace made of Egyptian alabaster. The blue hall was used for official receptions and ceremonies, and it has a stunning view of the Bosphorus. The other rooms on the state floor include the dining room, the library, the admirals' room, and the sultan's room. Each room has its own style and charm, with different colors, motifs, and objects. The second floor is the private floor, where the sultan and his family lived. It has more modest and cozy rooms, such as the bedrooms, the bathrooms, the harem, and the selamlik. The palace also has a basement floor, where the kitchen, the pantry, and the servants' quarters are located.
Exterior of Beylerbeyi Palace
The exterior of Beylerbeyi Palace is equally impressive and beautiful, with a stunning view of the Bosphorus and the Asian side of Istanbul. The palace has a French neo-baroque style, with a white marble facade and a symmetrical shape. The palace is surrounded by a complex of buildings and attractions, such as the terrace garden, the pool, and the kiosks. The terrace garden is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the scenery, with a variety of flowers, trees, and statues. The pool is a large and elegant pool, with a fountain and a marble bridge. The kiosks are small and charming pavilions, where the sultan and his guests could rest and entertain themselves.
The most notable kiosks are the yellow kiosk, the marble kiosk, and the ahir kiosk. The yellow kiosk is a wooden kiosk, painted in yellow and green, with a hexagonal shape and a conical roof. It was used as a resting place and a tea house by the sultan and his family. The marble kiosk is a marble kiosk, with a rectangular shape and a dome. It was used as a dining room and a meeting room by the sultan and his guests. The ahir kiosk is a stone kiosk, with a square shape and a flat roof. It was used as a stable and a carriage house by the sultan and his entourage.
Visiting Beylerbeyi Palace
If you are interested in visiting Beylerbeyi Palace, here are some practical information and tips for you:
- The palace is open every day except Monday and Thursday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in winter and from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in summer.
- The entrance fee is 40 Turkish liras for adults and 20 Turkish liras for students. You can also buy a museum pass for 325 Turkish liras, which gives you access to many other museums and attractions in Istanbul for 15 days.
- The palace can only be visited with a guided tour, which lasts about 45 minutes and is available in Turkish, English, French, and German. The tours start every 15 minutes and have a maximum of 20 people. You can buy your ticket and join a tour at the ticket office near the main gate.
- The palace is located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, in the Beylerbeyi neighborhood of Istanbul. You can reach the palace by public transportation, such as bus, ferry, or metro. You can also take a taxi or a private car, but be aware of the traffic and the tolls on the bridges.
- The best time to visit the palace is in spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the garden is in bloom. You can also visit the palace in winter or summer, but be prepared for the cold or the heat, and avoid the peak hours and the crowds.
- The best spots to take photos of the palace are from the Bosphorus, from the terrace garden, and from the kiosks. You can also take photos inside the palace, but without flash or tripod.
- The best tours to join that include the palace are the Bosphorus cruises, which offer a scenic and relaxing way to see the palace and other attractions along the Bosphorus. You can also join a guided walking tour, which gives you more insight and detail about the palace and its history.
- The palace is a great attraction for different types of travellers, such as families, solo travellers, couples, and groups. It is suitable for people who are interested in history, culture, architecture, and nature. It is also accessible for people with disabilities, as there are ramps and elevators in the palace.
Conclusion
Beylerbeyi Palace is a hidden treasure on the Bosphorus, that offers a glimpse into the Ottoman lifestyle and culture. It is a stunning and elegant palace, with a rich and diverse interior and exterior. It is a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Istanbul, as it showcases the history, beauty, and charm of this amazing city. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about Beylerbeyi Palace. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
