Contrary to all other palaces in
Istanbul,
Beylerbeyi palace is situated on the Asiatic shore of
Istanbul. The palace which stands very close to the Asian leg of the
Bosphorus Bridge has its name from
Beylerbeyi Mehmet Pasha who had a pavilion here in the 16th century. The palace was erected as a wooden coast palace by
Sultan Mahmut II and rebuilt to its present form by
Sultanabdülaziz who reigned between 1861-1865. The architect was
Sarkis Balyan. Contrary to its exterior appereance and embellishments, the inner space arrangement is congruous with the layout of turkish houses.
Beylerbeyi Palace which was used as a guest house for foreign guests during the
Ottoman Empire is a three storey building. The palace has 26 rooms and 6 salons. The palace has three rather gloriously decorated main gates. The flooring inside the palace has been brought from
Egypt and on the ceilings there are scenes from the sea in conformity with the interest of
Abdülaziz in Naval affairs and oriental style ceiling and wall embellishments . Besides a statute of
Abdulaziz on a horseback is displayed in the palace. Bohemian chandeliers reflecting the western culture are used. It is understood that
Abdulaziz attached rather high importance on this palace and on its decoration. The
Sultan wanted to have the rooms and other sections of the building to be embellished with heavy gilded calligraphic works and charged the imperial artist
Masson Bey for this duty. In addition to those, authentic furniture,
Hereke carpets which represent the
turkish culture, curtains and other valuable objects have remained in good condition until the present day. The
Beylerbeyi palace comprises two sections,i.e.
Haremlik and
Selamlık.
Selamlık has been furnished in a more grandious style. In the garden of the palace there are two
Çadır pavilions which resemble tents. The ceilings of these pavilions are embellished with bird depictions as well. These pavilions have been considered as resting places for the
Sultan. In the garden there is a stable in which there stands the statute of the
Sultan’s favorite horse
Ferhan. In the marble pavilion which stands in the courtyard there are many ceiling decorations reflecting the
Sultan’s indulge in hunting. The
Palace is opoen everyday except Mondays and Thursdays between 09.30-16.00 from October to February and 09.30-17.00 from March to September.
