In this article, explore the largest palaces in Istanbul, a city rich in historical landmarks. Additionally, learn about the benefits of real estate investment in the areas where these palaces are located. Finally, we will answer some common questions you might have about this topic.

Skyline Real Estate wishes you an enjoyable read.

The Largest Palaces in Istanbul

Istanbul has long been a focal point for sultans and Ottoman kings who built numerous palaces, museums, and castles, making it one of the most important historical tourist destinations in Turkey.

The palaces are among the most significant landmarks, attracting many visitors and tourists throughout the year. Here are some of the largest and most famous palaces:

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace, overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, is the largest palace in Istanbul. Built in 1459, it served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries.

The palace consists of four main courtyards and a series of buildings, including residences, kitchens, mosques, and a hospital, once housing around 4,000 people.

Topkapi Palace houses some sacred Islamic relics, such as the sword and cloak of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an excellent example of cultural diversity in the Ottoman Empire.

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Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace is another of Istanbul's largest palaces, built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz as a summer residence for the sultans. It later hosted world leaders and politicians.

Located on the banks of the Bosphorus in the Uskudar district on the Asian side of Istanbul, it features a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles.

The palace includes 26 rooms, two baths, and six halls adorned with decorations and paintings. The surrounding garden, filled with trees, statues, and water fountains, makes it one of Istanbul's most beautiful palaces.

Kucuksu Palace

Located in the Beykoz district on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kucuksu Palace is known for its unique interior and exterior designs, featuring European and Ottoman touches.

Built in the 17th century and used as a summer residence for the Ottoman sultans for two centuries, it was initially a wooden palace with two floors. In the mid-19th century, Sultan Abdulmecid ordered its reconstruction into a three-story stone palace in the European style.

Yildiz Palace

Situated on a hill in Yildiz Park in Istanbul, Yildiz Palace was built in 1790 during the reign of Sultan Selim III and expanded during Sultan Abdulhamid II's era, serving as the Ottoman government headquarters throughout his rule.

The palace, along with its buildings and gardens, spans 500,000 square meters. It stands out for its simplicity and unique water systems with numerous ornamental ponds and bridges.

The palace was further expanded in 1898 to accommodate German Emperor Wilhelm II. It has been restored and allocated to the Presidency, making it one of the most important and largest palaces in Istanbul.

Dolmabahce Palace

Located in the Besiktas district on the European side of the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace was the residence of several Ottoman sultans until the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1924. It was then transferred to the National Heritage Foundation of the Republic and is currently managed by the National Palaces Directorate.

Covering over 45,000 square meters, the palace includes 46 halls and numerous gardens. It is one of the largest and most magnificent historical palaces in Istanbul, featuring Andalusian and Turkish architecture with European interior and exterior designs, adorned with various precious stones and 202 oil paintings by renowned artists.

Khedive Palace

Located in Beykoz, Istanbul, and covering 1,000 square meters, Khedive Palace was built in 1907 by Egyptian Khedive Abbas Hilmi Pasha, who resided there with his family.

The palace features four salons, including marble, crystal, and wooden ones, along with two large rooms and several marble fountains. Today, it houses a large restaurant and a garden with children's playgrounds and family seating areas. It is also used for weddings, meetings, and seminars.

Ciragan Palace

Ciragan Palace, distinguished by its white walls and beautiful garden, overlooks the Bosphorus and contains a collection of rooms with gold and mother-of-pearl furniture.

Built in 1834 by Sultan Abdulaziz, the palace was acquired by the Kempinski Hotels group in 1986 to be part of its adjacent luxury hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul's Palaces

Search engines show many queries about Istanbul's historical palaces, aiming to provide information and activities to do during visits. Here are some common questions and answers:

How many palaces are there in Istanbul?

Istanbul has over 15 historical palaces, but this article focuses on the largest, most important, and most popular palaces among tourists and visitors.

How can I reach Yildiz Palace from Istanbul?

You can reach the palace from Taksim Square by taking the Funicular F1 to Kabatas and then taking the buses towards Ortakoy.

What recreational activities can be done when visiting Istanbul's palaces?

Activities vary depending on the palace's facilities, but generally, you can enjoy a tour of the palace's rooms, admire the architectural design and unique artifacts, and take panoramic photos.

Afterward, you can relax in the palace's service facilities, such as restaurants and gardens with designated seating areas.

What is the entrance fee to Istanbul's palaces?

Each palace in Istanbul has a different entrance fee, ranging from 20 to 200 Turkish Liras per person, with special discounts for students.

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Skyline Real Estate's article concludes with an overview of the most important and largest palaces in Istanbul, providing detailed information about each palace and answering some common questions related to Istanbul's historical palaces.