Beylerbeyi Palace

The history of Beylerbeyi Palace stretches far beyond its 19th-century structure, reaching back to the Byzantine period when the area was known as the “Gardens of the Cross,” named after a monumental cross erected by Emperor Constantine. During the early Ottoman era, the site evolved into a favored summer retreat, housing a series of wooden mansions and coastal pavilions that unfortunately did not survive recurring fires.

The palace seen today was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz and completed between 1861 and 1865. Designed by the Balyan family, it became one of the defining works of the empire’s late architectural period—combining Western influences with traditional Ottoman sensibilities. Unlike the grandeur of Dolmabahçe, Beylerbeyi Palace was intended as a refined, cooler summer residence, built directly along the Bosphorus to benefit from the sea breeze.

Throughout its imperial life, the palace served mainly as a state guesthouse. It welcomed high-ranking visitors such as Empress Eugénie of France, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, and German Emperor Wilhelm II, solidifying its role as a diplomatic showcase. One of its most poignant chapters came when Sultan Abdulhamid II lived his final years here under house arrest, making Beylerbeyi Palace both a political symbol and a personal landmark in Ottoman history.

Following the founding of the Republic, the palace transitioned into a museum and later came under the care of the National Palaces Administration. Today, it stands as a preserved example of 19th-century Ottoman modernization—an elegant reminder of how the empire navigated Western influence while maintaining its own identity.

Beylerbeyi Palace Architectural Features 

Beylerbeyi Palace showcases a refined blend of Ottoman elegance and European design, reflecting the architectural vision of the Balyan family during the empire’s 19th-century modernization. Built directly along the Bosphorus, the structure emphasizes symmetry and simplicity, distinguishing it from the more lavish Dolmabahçe and Çırağan Palaces.

The exterior is clad in white marble, giving the palace its luminous appearance, especially when viewed from the water. Large arched windows, Neo-Baroque details, and Second Empire influences highlight the Western aesthetic, while traditional Ottoman proportions maintain a balanced harmony.

Inside, the palace features interconnected halls with high ceilings, marble fireplaces, and understated decorative motifs. Cooling reed mats imported from Egypt, Hereke carpets, and crystal chandeliers reveal both practicality and luxury. The layout separates state reception areas from the private quarters, and the dual pavilions along the shoreline enhance the palace’s relationship with the sea.

Overall, the architectural character of Beylerbeyi Palace lies in its elegant restraint—where European inspiration merges seamlessly with Ottoman spatial traditions to create a summer residence both functional and graceful.

The interior of Beylerbeyi Palace is a refined blend of Ottoman tradition and European artistry. Below is a clear, structured explanation of everything visitors can see inside, presented in a “feature : description” format for maximum clarity.

Egyptian reed mats: Thin woven mats imported from Egypt and placed under carpets to naturally cool the rooms. This unique ventilation method kept the palace comfortable during hot summers, making it ideal as a seasonal residence.

Marble Hall: A large reception hall with polished marble floors and a central fountain designed to improve airflow, lower temperature, and create a serene soundscape. This is one of the palace’s most iconic rooms.

Hereke carpets: Handwoven silk and wool carpets produced in the imperial Hereke workshops. Their intricate patterns and exceptional quality reflect the finest Ottoman craftsmanship.

Baccarat chandeliers: Dozens of French-made crystal chandeliers illuminate the palace’s grand halls, showcasing Western design influence and Ottoman preference for imported luxury.

European furniture: French, English, and Viennese styles appear throughout the palace—armchairs, gilded tables, carved wooden sofas—combined with traditional Ottoman divans to create a hybrid interior aesthetic.

Marble fireplaces: Elaborate Neo-Baroque fireplaces decorated with sculpted motifs. These were more aesthetic than functional but symbolized European sophistication.

Blue Salon: A room dominated by cool blue tones, floral detailing, and delicate fabrics. It represents Ottoman-European harmony and is one of the palace’s most visually calming spaces.

Yellow Salon: Known for golden accents, sunlight-filled windows, and panoramic Bosphorus views. It hosted intimate state meetings and gatherings.

Porcelain vases and plates: A diverse collection from China, Japan, France, Germany, and the local Yıldız Porcelain Factory. Many were diplomatic gifts from visiting monarchs.

French mirrors: Large gilded mirrors visually expand the rooms and reflect natural Bosphorus light, emphasizing European influence and Ottoman love of luminosity.

Selamlık rooms: Formal reception areas used for meetings with ambassadors and foreign rulers. Decorated with regal furniture, expansive tables, and ornate carpets.

Harem rooms: More intimate spaces featuring mother-of-pearl inlay furniture, embroidered textiles, colorful stained-glass windows, and traditional Ottoman seating.

Imperial clock collection: English and French-made clocks, Bohemian glassware, and crystal vases are displayed across the palace. These highlight European diplomatic relations.

Seaside pavilions: Though partly outside the main structure, these are accessible during visits. They served as cooling spaces where the imperial family relaxed beside the water.

The interior of Beylerbeyi Palace offers a curated blend of Ottoman heritage and European artistry. From Egyptian mats to Baccarat chandeliers, each detail reflects a palace designed for comfort, diplomacy, and refined aesthetics—a summer retreat where the empire received the world’s most influential guest

Beylerbeyi Palace Gardens 

The gardens of Beylerbeyi Palace are among the most tranquil and picturesque landscapes on the Bosphorus, designed as a natural extension of the palace’s summer residence identity. Terraced across a gentle hillside, the gardens combine Ottoman landscaping traditions with European influences, creating a serene environment filled with shade, greenery, and sea breezes.

Visitors will find palm trees, cypress, magnolia, and exotic plants brought from different parts of the world—reflecting the Ottoman fascination with botanical variety. Decorative fountains, marble pools, and small sculptures add a refined touch to the garden paths, while the elevated terraces offer sweeping views of the Bosphorus and the palace façade.

One of the highlights is the pair of seaside pavilions (deniz köşkleri), small waterfront structures where the imperial family once relaxed and enjoyed the cool air drifting in from the water. These pavilions emphasize the palace’s close relationship with nature and the sea.

The gardens also include the historic Set Gardens, an upper section arranged in geometric levels, once used for royal strolls and private receptions. Today, they offer peaceful walking routes surrounded by greenery and soft coastal light.

Overall, the grounds of Beylerbeyi Palace provide a refreshing contrast to the ornate interiors—offering visitors a calm, airy, and scenic outdoor experience shaped by both imperial taste and natural beauty.

Ticket Prices For Foreign Visitors: approx. 700 TL (~€20)

Museum Pass Türkiye: Valid for entry

Ticket sales are available on-site and also online, which is recommended to avoid queues during weekends, holidays, and peak visiting hours.

Opening Hours

Open: Tuesday – Sunday

Hours: 09:00 – 17:00

Closed: Mondays (maintenance & conservation day)
The last entry is typically one hour before closing, allowing enough time to tour both the interior and the gardens.

Location & Access: Beylerbeyi Palace is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, directly beneath the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge).
Access is easy via:

Üsküdar Ferry Terminal: 10–15 minutes by bus or taxi

Buses from Üsküdar & Kadıköy: frequent daytime service

From European Side: ferries to Üsküdar + short transfer
Visitors arriving by car can use nearby public parking areas, though spaces fill quickly during peak hours.