Beylerbeyi Palace, Ottoman summer palace in Üsküdar, Turkey
Beylerbeyi Palace is a three-story limestone structure with 24 rooms and 6 halls positioned along the Bosphorus waterfront, offering direct views across the water. The architecture combines classical proportions with decorative details that draw from both Western and Eastern design traditions.
The palace was constructed between 1863 and 1865 under Sultan Abdülaziz by architect Sarkis Balyan, replacing an earlier wooden structure on the same site. Its completion coincided with a period when the Ottoman Empire was embracing modern Western influences in its architectural projects.
The palace interior blends European and Ottoman design elements, with Egyptian mats, Turkish Hereke carpets, and French Baccarat crystal chandeliers that showcase the fusion of two artistic worlds. This mix reflects the cosmopolitan character of the Ottoman Empire during its peak era.
The site is open most days of the week, with the best visiting time in early morning when fewer visitors are present. The palace sits directly on the Bosphorus, with easy access from the water and parking available nearby for cars.
Sultan Abdülhamid II spent his final six years confined under house arrest within this palace until his death in 1918. This period of captivity transformed the building into a place of deep historical and personal sorrow for the Ottoman ruling family.
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