Debbane Palace, Ottoman palace museum in Sidon, Lebanon.
Debbane Palace is an Ottoman-era mansion in Sidon featuring a central courtyard layout with colored mosaics, intricate ceiling decorations, and carved cedar details throughout its rooms. The building preserves multiple halls with traditional architectural elements that reflect the residential style of that time.
The palace was founded in 1721 and later came into the hands of the Debbane family, from whom it takes its name. After suffering damage during conflict, the building was restored and now functions as a museum.
The palace displays Ottoman-era furniture, musical instruments, and personal objects that show how the Lebanese upper classes lived and spent their days. These items offer a window into the domestic life of educated families during that period.
The museum is located in central Sidon and is typically open daily to visitors. It's best to arrive in the morning when there are fewer people and you can explore the interior courtyards comfortably.
The reception hall, known as the selamlik, retains its original design with no direct openings to the street, reflecting how privacy was maintained in Ottoman homes. This architectural choice was a defining feature of domestic spaces of that era.
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