Palaces and Pavilions

When we are talking about Palaces we mean the Imperial Palaces and Pavilions from the Ottoman Empire Period (1299-1923). After the Fatih Sultan Mehmet the conqueror took the city over from the Byzantines in 1453 , many palaces were built in the city. The Palaces were the homes of the Sultan and the imperial family and the empire was governed from the main palace. The first main palace was located in the Beyazit  area and unfortunately we do not have any remains of this one. The second palace which has been used nearly 600 years is the famous Topkapı Palace. After the Topkapı palace, the Dolmabahçe Palace and finally the Yıldız palace were the main palaces the empire was ruled from. There are many other summer or smaller palaces around Istanbul serving the imperial family and Sultans in different periods..    

Yıldız Palace 

In addition to the State Pavilions at the Yildiz Palace complex, the compound includes a series of pavilions and a mosque. It was completed by Abdulhamit 11 at the end of the 19th century.

The Sale Palace , the largest and most exquisite of the buildings, reveals the luxury in which the sultans lived and entertained, Set in a huge park of flowers, shrubs and trees gathered from every part of the world, the palace grounds offer one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Because of restoration work, only the Sale and park are open to the public. (Open every day except Tuesday). More (TR) & Pictures...

Goksu- Kuçuksu Palace

The Goksu Palace, also known as Kucuksu, takes its name from the streams which empty into the Bosphorus near the tiny palace. Built by Abdulmecit I in the middle of the 19th century, it was used as a summer residence. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday).  More (TR) & Pictures... 

Aynalıkavak Pavilion

Originally built in the 18th century and later restored by various sultans, the Aynali Kavak Summer Pavilion assumed its name, Mirrored Poplar, when its famed mirrors, a gift from the Venetians, were installed in 1718. This palace on the Golden Horn is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Turkish architecture. (open every day except Monday and Thursday). More (TR) and Pictures...

Ihlamur Pavilion 

The 19th-century lhlamur Pavilion is named for the linden trees that grow in its gardens. Now in the heart of metropolitan Istanbul, when it was originally constructed, the pavilion lay in the rolling countryside that surrounded the city. The Merasim Pavilion was used for official ceremonies while the Maiyet Pavilion sheltered the sultan's entourage and, on occasions, his harem on their excursions out of the palace confines. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday). More (TR) & Pictures...

Maslak Pavilions

The Maslak Pavilions on a shady green hill were conceived by Sultan Abdulaziz as hunting lodges. These are particularly noteworthy as superb examples of the late 19 the century Ottoman decorative style. The Malta Pavilion is presently used as an inexpensive restaurant while both the Maslak Pavilion and Limonlu Gate are open as cafes. (Open every day). More (TR) & Pictures...

Florya Ataturk Pavilion

The Florya Ataturk Sea Pavilion served as a summer residence for Turkish presidents, beginning with Ataturk Built in 1935 in a T-shaped design on land jutting out over the Sea of Marmara, this building serves as a showcase for some of the loveliest examples of early 20th century furnishing. (Open weekdays except Monday and Thursday).

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