The Beylerbeyi Palace meaning “Lord of Lords”) is located in the Beylerbeyi neighbourhood of Istanbul, Turkey at the Asian side of the Bosphorus. An Imperial Ottoman summer residence built in the 1860s, it is now situated immediately north of the 1973 Bosphorus Bridge.
During the second half of the 16th century, Rumeli Beylerbeyi Mehmet Paşa (a kind of General Governor of a larger region) of Sultan Murat III had a seaside mansion built. The name of Beylerbeyi stems from this. During later periods, the palace was adjoined to the Sultan’s lands. Sultan Mahmut II had a wooden palace constructed in its place during the first quarter of 19th century. This wooden palace was incinerated and another one built in its place for Abdülaziz by the famous architect of the period, Sarkis Balyan and his brother. It is this palace that we know now as Beylerbeyi Palace. Completed in 1865, the palace became the summer home of the Sultan’s family, and it was also used to host foreign guests.
The palace’s garden is decorated with trees, statues, and pools. A hall with an indoor-pool, selamlık, harem, and admiral’s room catch the attention of visitors in the inner part of the palace. Furthermore, the valide sultan room (used for Mother of the Sultan in power), dinning room, reception room, and blue hall are also worth seeing. There are a total of 26 rooms and 6 sitting rooms. It is said that the Marble Mansion and the Yellow Mansion were built by Sultan Mahmut II. The Yellow Mansion was restored during Sultan Abdülaziz’s period. The Ahir Mansion [Stable House], located on the side of the bridge, was built for the Sutan’s horses.
Abdülhamit was kept in custody in this palace until his death in 1918, after he was dethrowned. After the foundation of the Turkish Republic, Atatürk’s guests were hosted in this palace. It has since been transformed into a museum, and it is one of the important historical architectural buildings located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul.
Beylerbeyi Palace from the Bosphorus
Beylerbeyi Palace Interior.
It is placed right next to the Asian end of the Bosphorus bridge. adds value to the beauty of the Unique Bosphorus
I love the visit. The area were clean and beautiful. There is a cafe in the garden. The entrance to the palace is very interesting. We actually walk through tunnel before we reach the main entrance. It was the last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. It is worth a visit to view the antique and…
It is very similar to Dolmabashe, but it was built in the Asiatic side. It was the Summer House for the Pasha. Besides the palace there two kiosques, a Harem and it is in front of the sea. Beautiful view, beautiful doors, ceilings etc.
I stopped here as part of a day tour. It was interesting and worth seeing. Fascinating structurally with the separate quarters for men and for women. Nice summer residence! Beautiful views
Excellent view along the Asiatic Side of İstanbul.
Not too crowed.
Smaller example of The dolmabahce Palace.
Nice view.
We visited this in March 2010.
It's impressive enough. After coming from Topkapi palace and the Hagia Sofia this was a bit of a letdown. Room upon room full of chairs and couches with the occasional baccarat crystal thrown in for good measure. It's in good shape as are all attractions in Istanbul. The Turkish people take great care of…
there are 2 perfect palace and exceptionaly of them you can visit !
Take the boat to Uskudar and then the #15 bus to get there. The palace is amazing: below the bridge and over the water!! All the rooms are dazzling one after the other. Place special attention to the furniture on each room specially the one with "marqueterie". Unfortunately the upper gardens were closed for renovations. While in Uskudar visit the…
I loved this palace. You had to place plastic slips over your shoes. Our guide from expedia told the most wonderful stories of this amazing palace. Everything was gold plated or gold leafed. There was some incredibly beautiful rugs, massive in size. The haram apartments were quite ordinary in comparison to the excessively ornate rooms used by the sultan entertaining…
The Beylerbeyi Palace is located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus and offers lovely views from the garden. The Palace building is beautiful and the interior is as ornate as you would expect from the era of the Sultans. You cannot enter on your own and will have to wait for a guided tour in English but you can…