YILDIZ PALACE

Description

Essentials about Yildiz Palace in brief

Yildiz Palace (Star Palace) was the residence of the sultan and his court until the late 19th century. It is a large palace complex with a number of pavilions and villas, located on the western slopes of the Bosphorus on the European side of Istanbul. In addition to visiting the palace buildings, one should also take a walk through the palace gardens of Yildiz Park, a recreational area very popular with locals.

The history of Yildiz Palace

The Ottoman Sultan Selim III had already had a first so-called “kiosk” built on the site of today’s palace in the 18th century, and further buildings were erected in the 19th century under Sultan Mahmut II. In the late 19th century, Sultan Abdülhamid II left Dolmabahçe Palace because he feared an attack on the palace, located directly on the Bosphorus, from the sea side. Abdülhamid II therefore had the actual Yildiz Palace built in 1880.

The buildings of Yildiz Palace

General information

The main buildings of the palace are the Şale and the Malta Kiosk, the Çadir Pavilion, the Theater and Opera House, the Yildiz Palace Museum and the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory. The Palace Gardens (Yildiz Park) are a recreational area popular with Istanbul residents. A bridge connects Yildiz Park with Çirağan Palace, located on the Bosphorus.

The Şale Kiosk

The largest and most luxurious building of Yildiz Palace is the Şale Kiosk or Şale Pavilion, the former residence of the Sultan. It is built in the style of Turkish historicism as a mixture of stone and wooden construction and was built in three phases: The first section was built in the 1870s and had the appearance of a Swiss chalet, hence the Turkish name “Şale”. The second section was added in 1889, as was the Sedefli Salon (Pearl Salon). The name derives from the extensive use of pearls, which covered almost all surfaces. The third phase of construction was completed in 1898. The rooms are decorated with gilded ceiling ornaments, large mirrors and beautiful carpets. Abdülhamid II was a talented carpenter and made some furniture for the Şale Pavilion himself.

The Malta Kiosk

The Malta Kiosk is a pavilion in Yildiz Park on the north side of the wall to Yildiz Palace. The origin of the name is not certain. During the Ottoman era, some palaces were named after important battles and conquered cities and countries; consequently, this palace is said to have been named in memory of the Siege of Malta.

The Malta Kiosk is a good example of 19th century secular architecture, which was influenced by European models. Sultan Abdül Hamid added the pavilion to Yildiz Palace and used the building as a hunting palace and recreational estate; thus, there are a variety of hunting animal, flower, plant and fruit motifs. In the entrance hall there is a beautiful marble fountain with a swan figure. Marble columns, terraces, bedrooms, wooden and crystal halls show features of Neo-Classical, Neo-Islamic and Neo-Ottoman characteristics.

The Çadir Kiosk

Another building of Yildiz Palace is the Çadir Kiosk, built by Sultan Abdülaziz in the mid-19th century, who used it as a prison. Nowadays it houses a café and a restaurant.

The Theater and Opera House

In addition, you should see the theater and opera house, built in 1889 by Sultan Abdülhamid II. The house has stars in its dome sky, a reverence to the name of the “Palace of the Stars”. Incidentally, because no one was allowed to turn their back to the Sultan in his side box, the first rows of seats were never used.

The Yildiz Palace Museum

Another interesting building of the palace complex is the Yildiz Palace Museum, which is now used for art exhibitions. It was originally established as a carpenter’s workshop for Sultan Abdülhamid II.

The Imperial Porcelain Factory

Last but not least, the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory is also worth a visit. It was opened in 1895 to meet the needs of the higher circles for European utility ceramics. Its bowls, vases and plates often depicted scenes on the Bosphorus. The building has an interesting appearance, reminiscent of a European castle in the Middle Ages.