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Palaces in
Istanbul
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Topkapi Palace |
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On a spit
of land at the confluence of the Bosphorus, the olden Horn and
the Marmara Sea stands the Topkapi Palace, the maze of
buildings at the center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th
and 19th centuries.In these opulent surroundings the sultans
and their court lived and governed. A magnificent wooded
garden fills the outer, or first, court. On the right of the
second court, shaded by cypress and plane trees, stand the
palace kitchens, now galleries exhibiting the imperial
collection of crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain. To the
left the Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines
and children of the sultan, charms visitors with the echoes of
the intrigue of centuries. Today the third court holds the
Hall of Audience, the Library of AhmetIII, an exhibition of
imperial costumes worn by the sultans and their families, the
famous jewels of the treasury and a priceless collection of
miniatures from medieval manuscripts. In the center of this
innermost sanctuary, the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle enshrines
the relics of the Prophet Mohammed brought to Istanbul when
the Ottomans assumed the caliphate of Islam. (Open every day
except Tuesday.) |
Dolmabahce Palace
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Built in the mid-19th century by Sultan Abdul MecitI, the
facade of Dolmabahce Palace stretches for 600 meters along the
European shore of the Bosphorus. The vast reception salon,
with 56 columns, and a huge crystal chandelier weighing four
and a half tons and lit by 750 lights never fails to astonish
visitors. At one time, birds from all over the world were kept
in the Bird Pavilion for the delight of the palace's
privileged residents. Ataturk, founder of the Turkish
Republic, died in Dolmabahge on the 10th November, 1938.(Open
every day except Monday and Thursday.) |
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Interior of Dolmabahce Palace |
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Gate
Relief of Dolmabahce Palace |
In the 19th
century Sultan Abdul Aziz built the Beylerbeyi Palace, a fantasy
in white marble amid magnolia filled gardens, on the Bosphorus's
Asian shore. Used as the Sultan's summer residence and hunting
lodge, it was offered to the most distinguished foreign
dignitaries during their visits. Empress Eugenie of France was
among its residents. (Open every day except Monday and
Thursday.)
In addition to the State Pavilions at the Yildiz Palace, the
compound includes a series of pavilions and a mosque. It was
completed by Abdul Hamit II at the end of the 19th century. The
Sale, the largest and most exquisite of the buildings, reveals
the luxury in which the sultans lived and entertained. Set in a
very large park of flowers, plants and trees, gathered from
every part of the world, the palace grounds offer one of the
most beautiful panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Because of
restoration work, only the Sale and park are open to the public.
(Open every day except Monday and Thursday.)
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The Goksu Palace, also known as Kucuksu. takes its name
from the fresh water streams which debouch into the Bosphorus
near the tiny palace. Built by Abdul Mecit I in the middle of
the 19th century, it was used as a summer residence. (Open
every day except Monday and Thursday.)
Originally built in the 18th century and later restored by
various sultans, the Aynali Kavak Summer Pavilion assumed its
name, Mirrored Poplar, when its famed mirrors were installed
in 1718. A gift of the Venetians, this palace on the Golden
Horn is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional
Turkish architecture. (Open every day except Monday and
Thursday.) |
Aynali Kavak Pavillion
Interior, Goksu Pavillion |
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The 19th century
Ihlamur Pavilion is named after the linden trees that grow in
its gardens. Now in the heart of metropolitan Istanbul, when it
was originally constructed the pavilion lay in the rolling
countriside that surrounded the city. The Merasim Pavilion was
used for official ceremonies while the Maiyet Pavilion sheltered
the sultan's entourage and on occasions, his harem during their
excursions out of the palace confines. (Open every day except
Monday and Thursday.)
The Maslak
Pavilions on a shady green hill were conceived by Sultan Abdul
Aziz as hunting lodges and are superb examples of the late 19th
century Ottoman decorative style. The Limonluk Green House is
particularly noteworthy. (Open every day except Monday and
Thursday.) |
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