Beylerbeyi Palace
Travel Point Overview
Beylerbeyi Palace was built as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans and as a state guesthouse for hosting foreign dignitaries and monarchs. Commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz, its construction began on August 6, 1863, and was officially inaugurated on Apr
Beylerbeyi Palace: The Magnificent Summer Palace of the Bosphorus
📍 Location: Üsküdar, Istanbul
🏛 Era: Ottoman Empire (1861-1876)
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan Abdülaziz
🎨 Architectural Style: A blend of Neo-Baroque and Ottoman architecture
🎟 Entrance Fees: Museum Pass is valid (Details below)
A Summer Palace for Ottoman Royalty
Beylerbeyi Palace was built as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans and as a state guesthouse for hosting foreign dignitaries and monarchs. Commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz, its construction began on August 6, 1863, and was officially inaugurated on April 21, 1865. The palace was designed by Serkiz Bey of the Balyan family, while its financial and administrative responsibilities were managed by Mehmed Efendi, Mahmud Efendi, and Rıfat Efendi.
The palace's design beautifully merges Eastern and Western architectural styles, while its interior is decorated with a blend of Baroque, Rococo, and Ottoman elements. Sultan Abdülaziz’s passion for the sea is evident in the ceiling motifs featuring maritime and naval themes, some of which he personally sketched to guide the palace artists.
Architectural Features of Beylerbeyi Palace
Built on a rectangular plan, the palace covers 2,500 square meters, with a high basement and two main floors. The structure embodies the characteristics of a traditional Ottoman house, divided into three main sections:
🏛 Mabeyn-i Hümayun (State Section): Used for official affairs
🛏 Hünkâr Dairesi (Private Apartments of the Sultan): Reserved for the sultan and his family
👑 Valide Sultan Dairesi: Dedicated to the Sultan's mother
📌 Other Key Features:
- 6 grand halls and 24 rooms
- 1 hamam (Turkish bath) and 1 bathroom
- A separate harem section for concubines and consorts (no longer exists today)
- A Neo-Baroque façade and elegantly decorated interiors
Historical Significance of Beylerbeyi Palace
⏳ During Sultan Abdülaziz’s Reign (1861-1876):
- Used as a summer palace
- First royal guest: Empress Eugénie of France (1869)
- Other notable guests: Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia, Crown Prince of Italy, and Naser al-Din Shah of Persia
⏳ During Sultan Abdulhamid II’s Reign (1876-1909):
- Functioned as a state museum visited by foreign dignitaries
- Alongside Dolmabahçe and Topkapı Palaces, it was open for public visits with special permission
- Following the Balkan Wars, Abdulhamid II was exiled here after being deposed and spent the last 6 years of his life in the palace, passing away on February 10, 1918
Essential Information for Visitors
🎟 Entrance Fees (2025):
- Local Visitors: 150 TL
- Foreign Visitors: 600 TL
- Discounted Ticket: 75 TL
- Palace Garden Entry: 50 TL
🛑 Who Can Enter for Free?
✅ All children aged 0-6 (both local and foreign)
✅ Students aged 7-25 with valid student IDs (discounted ticket available)
✅ Foreign students aged 12-25 must present an ISIC (International Student Identity Card)
⏳ Opening Hours:
- Opening Time: 09:00
- Closing Time: 17:00
- Closed on Mondays
🛑 Closed on the Following Holidays:
- New Year's Day (January 1st)
- First day of Ramadan Bayram
- First day of Kurban Bayram
How to Get to Beylerbeyi Palace?
📍 Location: Üsküdar, Istanbul
🚍 Public Transport:
- Take IETT buses or minibuses from Üsküdar to Beylerbeyi
🚢 By Ferry: - Travel by sea to Beylerbeyi Pier via ferry or motorboat
🚶♂️ The palace is close to Üsküdar’s coastline and can be easily reached on foot.
Why Visit Beylerbeyi Palace?
🏰 A Stunning Ottoman Summer Retreat: With its breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and elegant design, the palace is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
👑 A Royal Witness to History: This was the exile home of Sultan Abdulhamid II and hosted many European monarchs.
🎭 An Artistic and Cultural Landmark: The palace interiors showcase intricate furniture, decorative ceilings, and fine craftsmanship.
📷 A Perfect Photography Spot: The Bosphorus backdrop makes Beylerbeyi Palace one of Istanbul’s most picturesque locations.
Explore Beylerbeyi Palace with Advisormapp!
📲 With the Advisormapp app, you can navigate to Beylerbeyi Palace, learn about its rich history, and enjoy an audio guide for an immersive experience.
⏳ Don’t miss the chance to explore this fascinating Ottoman palace and its scenic beauty! 🚀✨
