Beylerbeyi Palace is a 19th-century Ottoman residence on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district. Sultan Abdülaziz commissioned it as a summer home and a place to receive foreign dignitaries. Inside, traditional Ottoman room layouts meet European-influenced decoration: look for crystal chandeliers, carved wood, Hereke carpets and maritime details linked to the sultan’s interest in the sea. The palace is smaller and more intimate than Dolmabahçe, and its gardens and waterside terrace add a peaceful outdoor stop to the visit.
A summer palace on the Asian shore
Sultan Abdülaziz commissioned Beylerbeyi Palace between 1861 and 1865 as a summer residence and a setting for receiving visiting dignitaries. It stands in the Beylerbeyi district of Üsküdar, on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. The palace replaced an earlier wooden residence on the site.
The design is associated with the Balyan family of architects. Its exterior draws on European Baroque forms, while the arrangement of the rooms follows Ottoman domestic traditions. This combination makes the palace a useful place to compare the different influences shaping late Ottoman architecture.
Rooms, furnishings and the palace’s sea motifs
The palace’s interiors bring together marble, carved wood, ornate ceilings and European furnishings. Look up at the crystal chandeliers and painted ceilings, then notice the marble columns and finely worked wooden furniture. Hereke carpets and French clocks add to the mix of Ottoman and European decorative styles.
Maritime details connect the decoration to Abdülaziz’s interest in the sea. The central hall has a white-marble fountain, and a broad staircase gives it a strong focal point. Beylerbeyi was also divided into two parts, the Mabeyn and the Harem, reflecting its use as both a residence and a place to host important guests.
A royal guesthouse and its gardens
Beylerbeyi served as a summer home for Ottoman sultans and as accommodation for visiting heads of state. Empress Eugénie of France was among its notable guests. After his removal from power, Abdülhamid II was confined at the palace during the final years of his life.
Beyond the main building, the grounds include terraced gardens and pavilions. Marble bathing pavilions stand near the water’s edge, with separate buildings for men and women. The waterside terrace works as a viewing point over the Bosphorus, with parts of both the Asian and European shores visible. The garden visit gives you a different perspective on the palace’s setting than the rooms inside.
FAQ
Where is Beylerbeyi Palace?
It is in the Beylerbeyi district of Üsküdar, on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
How long should I allow for a visit?
About one hour is enough for a visit to the palace.
Can you visit the palace gardens?
Yes. The grounds include terraced gardens, pavilions and a waterside terrace with Bosphorus views.
Is there an audio guide?
An audio guide is available without charge. You leave an ID as a deposit while using it.
