Yıldız Palace — Attraction in Beşiktaş

Yildiz Palace, which is the last architectural example of Turkish Ottoman palace, is located on the Yildiz hill in the district of Besiktas. Yıldız Palace, meaning “Star Palace”, was built in 1880 and was used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II. The palace is a complex of buildings including the State Apartments (Büyük Mabeyn), Şale Pavilion, the Malta Pavilion, the Çadır Pavilion, the Yıldız Theater and Opera House, the Yıldız Palace Museum, and the Imperial Porcelain Factory. The Yıldız Palace Gardens are also a popular public site among the residents of Istanbul. A bridge connects the Yıldız Palace with the Çırağan Palace on the Bosphorus through the palace gardens. The sultan’s residence was in the Şale Kiosk or pavilion. The building has two floors and a basement and is constructed from a mix of wood and stone. It was constructed in three phases. The Malta Kiosk, a pavilion located in Yıldız Park, was built by Sultan Abdülaziz, who used it as to detain his predecessor. Yildiz Palace Museum The building, which was opened as a museum on April 8th 1994, consists of a large gallery in 90 meters length. It is understood that the building was used as a museum as indicated by the photos of the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II (1876-1909) and the valuable objects were exhibited in this residence. Artworks, displayed in the museum belongs to the palace; some of them were taken over while they were in Topkapi Palace. Artworks included belongings of Sultan Abdulhamid II, his carpenter tools, gifts given to him and the products of Yildiz Porcelain Factory then.

The entire palace has been recently restored and painted. They aim to open more parts of the palace and make it one of Istanbul’s major palaces. You can find many valuable furniture inside the rooms and also a beautiful summer house in the garden. Do not miss the museum the next door to the palace entrance it is covered by the same ticket. The palace is a little far from other sights (after Dolmabahche.) It is not easy to get to the museum, you may need a taxi or walk a long way up the hill. The Museum visiting hours are from 09.00 until 19.00 during the Summer Season (April 15th – November 1 st). During the winter season (November 1st – April 15th) the museum is open from 09.00 until 16.30. The Museum is closed on Tuesday.

A must visit when you...

⭐ Yıldız Sarayı - A Glimpse into Ottoman Grandeur! ⭐

Just visited the magnificent Yıldız Sarayı in Istanbul, and it's truly a hidden gem! After extensive restoration work, many parts of this sprawling palace complex are now open, offering a fascinating journey back to the late Ottoman Empire.

What's great: The architecture is stunning – a beautiful blend of Ottoman and European styles. The grounds are vast and surprisingly tranquil, perfect for a leisurely stroll through lush gardens and charming pavilions. Areas like the Şale Köşkü, parts of the Mabeyn sections, and the museum exhibits are incredibly well-preserved and give a real sense of imperial life. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship is breathtaking! The views, especially from higher points within the complex, are fantastic, offering glimpses of the Bosphorus. Things to note: While a lot has reopened, it's a huge complex, and some sections are still undergoing restoration or are used for official purposes (like the Büyük Mabeyn Köşkü, which serves the President). So, manage your expectations – you might not be able to access every single building. Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a good amount of walking involved. Consider an audio guide or guided tour to fully appreciate the history of each pavilion.

Overall Impression: Despite some areas still being closed, Yıldız Sarayı is absolutely worth visiting! It offers a more intimate and less crowded experience than some of Istanbul's other famous palaces, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the grandeur and history of the Ottoman sultans. Highly recommend for history buffs and anyone looking for a beautiful, peaceful escape in Istanbul.

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The first building in the palace area, which consists of mansions and pavilions spread on a sloping land on Yıldız Hill, is a pavilion and was built in III. It was made by Selim III for his mother, Mihrişah Sultan. Selim's father III. A rococo style fountain was built in the name of Mustafa. Later II. Mahmud had a mansion built here in 1834-1835, but this structure has not survived to the present day. Sultan Abdülmecid had the existing mansions demolished and a new mansion named Kasr-ı Dilküşâ was built for his mother, Bezmiâlem Valide Sultan, in 1842. It is thought that this building constitutes the basis of the building called Valide Sultan Mansion today. During the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, Büyük Mâbeyin Mansion, Çit Pavilion, Malta and Çadır Mansions were built. II. Abdulhamid left Dolmabahçe Palace and moved to Yıldız Palace and stayed in this palace throughout his sultanate. During his time, Küçük Mâbeyin Mansion, harem buildings, Concubines' Office, Kızlarağası Mansion, Şâle Mansion, Yıldız Mosque, theatre, carpenter's shop, pharmacy, repair shop, lockhouse, tile workshop, library, prince's mansions were built here and today's palace complex emerged.

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