Beylerbeyi Palace — Beylerbeyi
A complete visitor’s guide to the magnificent summer residence of the Ottoman sultans
Beylerbeyi Palace is one of Istanbul’s most beautiful and magnificent palaces, located on the Asian side of the city on the shore of the Bosphorus in the Beylerbeyi neighbourhood. Built between 1861 and 1865 on the orders of Sultan Abdülaziz, it served as the summer residence of the Ottoman royal family and as a place to receive distinguished foreign guests.
History and Architecture
Beylerbeyi Palace was built on the remains of an older palace from the reign of Sultan Mahmud II. It was designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Sarkis Balyan, who blended European architectural style with Eastern ornament to create a building that embodies luxury, elegance and the cultural harmony of East and West.
The palace has three main floors and a basement and is built of white marble and locally cut stone. Its interior design draws on French Neo-Baroque and Neoclassical styles, alongside delicate Islamic and Eastern decoration.
Interior Decoration and Art
Inside, the halls are decorated with French chandeliers, large mirrors and handcrafted European furniture. Hereke silk carpets, antique porcelain, exquisite clocks and crystal vases turn the interior into a gallery of art and splendour.
Among its decorations, the fragrant magnolias in the gardens and beside the terraces are one of the palace’s main symbols.
Gardens and Grounds
Outside the palace stands a group of pavilions and summer mansions that once served as resting places for the women of the harem, special guests and courtiers.
Alongside these buildings are the royal stables, gazebos, statues and European-style cobbled paths. From the palace’s rear terrace there is a spectacular view of the Bosphorus Bridge and Istanbul’s magnificent skyline.
Famous Historic Guests
Over its history Beylerbeyi Palace has hosted many distinguished figures, including:
- Empress Eugénie (wife of Napoleon III of France)
- Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, King of Iran
- Prince Oscar of Sweden
Location
Address: Beylerbeyi Mahallesi, Üsküdar district, Istanbul
Getting there: Marmaray/M5 – Üsküdar station, then bus