Ihlamur Palace, Ottoman palace in Beşiktaş, Turkey
Ihlamur Palace is a complex of two distinct buildings in Beşiktaş, built between 1849 and 1855. The larger ceremonial building combines baroque features with Ottoman craftsmanship, while the smaller residence retains traditional design with refined details.
The palace was founded by Sultan Abdülmecid during a period when Western architecture was influencing the Ottomans, and it reflects this transition. The valley itself had served as a preferred retreat for sultans since the 18th century.
The palace takes its name from the lilac trees that grow throughout the valley, and the rooms reflect the refined living style of the 19th century. Visitors can see how the interiors were furnished with elaborate decorations and pieces that show the taste of that era.
The site is easiest to access by understanding it sits in a quiet valley and is best reached on foot from the nearby tram station. The ceremonial building operates as a museum, while the residence functions as a cafe, so visitors can move flexibly between these two activities.
The residence building displays a special stucco technique that imitates marble veining and represents a blend of Ottoman and European craftsmanship. This surface treatment was a cost-effective alternative to real marble and shows the practical innovations of the builders of that era.
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