Beylerbeyi Palace, Ottoman palace on the Asian shore of Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey.
Beylerbeyi Palace is a white marble structure on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, containing 24 rooms and 6 halls. The interior spaces feature French clocks, Bohemian crystal chandeliers, and porcelain vases throughout.
Sultan Abdülaziz commissioned this palace in 1861 as an imperial summer residence. The architects Hagop and Sarkis Balyan completed the project in 1865.
The building displays separate bathing areas for men and women, reflecting how life was organized during that period. The use of Egyptian reed matting on the floors shows the practical solutions people employed for comfort and insulation.
The building is open Tuesday through Sunday, allowing visitors to explore the main rooms and gardens. Guided tours are available to help understand the layout and furnishings throughout the site.
Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his final years confined in this palace, where he carved and crafted furniture pieces by hand. These handmade items reveal how he occupied his time while living under restricted conditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
