Beylerbeyi Palace History
Beylerbeyi Palace Entrance Fee, Opening Hours and Short History
Who Built The Palace?
After the first wooden palace during Sultan II Mahmud era burnt down, Sultan Abdulaziz built Beylerbeyi Palace.
Beylerbeyi Palace was planned to be the summer house of the Ottoman sultans and as a guest house for domestic and foreign statesmen. Beylerbeyi Palace as we know today was opened by Sultan Abdulaziz in 1865.
Who is the Architect of Beylerbeyi Palace?
Beylerbeyi Palace was built by Architect Sarkis Baylan on 2500 square meters area. The Eastern wing of the palace was designed as Mabeyn-i Humayun (the Office of the Private Secretary) while the western part was designed as Valide Sultan’s Apartment (sultan’s mother).
Harem Apartment was built separately next to Valide Sultan’s Apartment, which is parallel to the sea, but it didn’t survive. The ceilings of the palace were decorated with sea and ship figures due to Sultan Abdulaziz’s passion for the sea.
Beylerbeyi Palace on the Bosphorus Shores
Why was The Palace Built?
Beylerbeyi Palace was used as a summer resort by Sultan Abdulaziz for a while and it began to be used as a state guest house by his command again. The palace’s outer walls are an example of marvelous architecture, but its interior design is equally striking.
Beylerbeyi Palace was used for a short time before its conversion into a museum in Turkish Republic era. During this short span of time, it housed highly important and famous guests. There are various names from Europe and the Middle East among these foreign statesmen.
The most important guest of this palace was French Empress Eugénie. After the opening ceremony of Suez Canal, the empress came to Istanbul and stayed at Beylerbeyi Palace during her visit here. Under Sultan Abdulhamid II, Beylerbeyi Palace also served as a museum that would be visited by foreign statesmen.
Beylerbeyi Palace Entrance Fee and Hours
Things to See in Beylerbeyi Palace
Aside from the main building of Beylerbeyi Palace, the Yellow Pavillion around the big pool, Marble Pavillion, and Stable Kiosk to keep the horses of the sultans were built too. The octagonal covers of the two sea kiosks that belonged to Mabeyn and Valide Sultan Apartment are decorated with animal figures.
Beylerbeyi Palace is a fine example of “Coastal Palace” and Marble Kiosk has existed till today since Sultan Mahmud II (1808-1839) era. This palace is also known as “Sultan Mahmud Palace” and its sides are covered with marble.
Yellow Pavillion designed to be used as a resting place is an elegant building too. Stable Kiosk is located on the last terrace of the palace and it reflects the horse culture in the Ottoman Empire. There are 20 sections on both sides of this kiosk and there are images of horse heads and eyes on the chandeliers.
Beylerbeyi Palace burnt down in 1851, but it has survived till today, unlike Ciragan Palace.
You can also see Sultan Abdulhamid II’s bedroom, study room as well as the furniture he made. After he was dethroned, Abdulhamid II lived in this palace until 1918.
Beylerbeyi Palace Entrance Fee 2020
The entrance fee to Beylerbeyi Palace is 50 Turkish Liras as of 2020. Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid at the entrance to the museum. The ticket price includes the audio guide.
Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid for Beylerbeyi Palace
Istanbul Museum Pass is a product sold by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is valid in Istanbul’s most important museums, such as Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
However, the museum card does not apply to museums such as Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace. These three palaces are run by Directorate of National Palaces.
Beylerbeyi Palace Opening Hours 2020
Beylerbeyi Palace is open to visitors between 09:00 and 17:00. Beylerbeyi Palace, like the other palaces operated by the Directorate of National Palaces (Dolmabahce Palace and Yildiz Palace) is closed on Mondays.
Visiting times of museums in Istanbul may change due to events and renovations. Before going to the museum, I suggest you visit the official website of Beylerbeyi Sarayi and review the latest situation.
Where is Beylerbeyi Palace and How to Get There?
Beylerbeyi Palace is located on the Asian side of Istanbul. It is very close to Uskudar, one of the most touristic districts of the Asian side. You can reach Beylerbeyi Palace in 15 minutes by public bus or dolmus (yellow minibuses) from Uskudar.
Furthermore, Dentur Bosphorus tour boats departing from Kabatas (a neighborhood nearby Taksim Square) stop at Beylerbeyi Palace. You can get off Dentur’s tour boat and visit the palace and continue your journey by waiting for the next boat. I recommend this blog post for Dentur Boats and other Bosphorus tour options.
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