The palace features a large marble pool in the main hall designed to create a cooling effect and provide the sound of flowing water.
The garden contains a historic stone tunnel that once connected the palace to the upper streets of Beylerbeyi, allowing the royal family to move without interfering with public traffic.
The interior ceilings are decorated with paintings featuring naval scenes, reflecting the Sultan's personal interest in the Ottoman navy.
The palace is known for its extensive use of Mısır hasırı (Egyptian straw matting) to regulate room temperature during the humid summer months.
It served as the official guesthouse for high-profile figures including Empress Eugénie of France and the Shah of Iran.
Despite being a royal palace, the building was constructed using brick and plaster rather than solid marble, as was common for the era's grand residences.
Beylerbeyi Palace is an Ottoman imperial residence commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz and completed in 1865 to serve as a summer retreat and a venue for hosting foreign dignitaries. Designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, the palace fuses traditional Ottoman layout with Neo-Baroque and Empire architectural styles. It is situated on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, directly beneath the first Bosphorus Bridge. The interior features Egyptian reed mats on the floors to counter humidity, alongside Hereke carpets and Bohemian crystal chandeliers. The property includes a series of terraced gardens, a historic tunnel, and two small seaside pavilions. It was used as the final residence for the deposed Sultan Abdul Hamid II until his death in 1918. Visitors can access both the main palace building and the surrounding historical garden areas.
From the seaside garden terrace looking back at the palace facade with the Bosphorus Bridge in the background.
Prioritize walking the garden paths towards the seaside to get a clear perspective of the Bosphorus Bridge's scale relative to the palace.
Pay close attention to the floor coverings, as they are part of the original climate-control preservation strategy.
Visit the seaside kiosks (deniz köşkleri) on the grounds, as they are often less crowded than the main palace interior.
Do not attempt to arrive by private vehicle during rush hour as the surrounding streets in the Üsküdar/Beylerbeyi area are narrow and heavily congested.
Closed on Mondays. Open during all other days of the week.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main palace interior; modest dress is required as it is a historical site.
