Overview:

is a grand Ottoman palace. It was built in 1780 by Selim III (1789-1807) as his own pleasure palace. The palace was situated on the shores of the Bosphorus, close to the spring of the Golden Horn. The interior consists of a dining hall, a ladies’ apartment, various reception rooms, and a conservatory. The palace is one of the most important landmarks of the Ottoman period in Istanbul. It is also a symbol of the Sultans' love for grandeur and luxury. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. Grand Portico: Constructed in 1806, this grand portico frames the entrance to the palace with pillars carved from Sultan Abdulhamit’s ship’s timber, and marble masonry. 2. Grand Terrace: The Grand Terrace overlooks the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, Turkey’s two largest bodies of water. 3. Grand Gate: Standing at the entrance is the majestic grand gate which was designed and constructed in 1905. It was crafted from marble and bronze and is inscribed in Arabic. 4. Ottoman Marble Fragments: The palace also is home to a collection of Ottoman marble fragments, including stones and columns from the Sultanahmet Palace, among other places. 5. Museum of Eyüp: This is a museum created in 1987 to preserve memorabilia found at the palace which dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries. 6. Clock Tower: Located at the entrance, the Clock Tower was strategically placed so that it dominates the skyline of Aynalikavak. It was constructed in 1831 and has four faces, each with a unique inscription. 7. Ottoman Council Chamber: Adjacent to the Grand Gate, the Ottoman Council Chamber is home to the oldest chamber still-standing in the city of Istanbul. It is decorated with beautiful mosaic tile and loads of Islamic calligraphy. 8. Water Tanks and Fountains: Aynalikavak Palace has three water tanks and functioning fountains which were constructed in accordance with the ancient traditions of the Ottoman Empire. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

The Aynalikavak Palace is a historic palace in Istanbul, Turkey that was originally built in 1667 as the residence of the Ottoman Grand Vizier, Köprülü Mehmed Pasha. It was later gifted to Ottoman sultan Mahmud I in 1721. The palace is noted for its historical and architectural significance, as it was one of the grandest palaces of the Ottoman period. The palace was used for receiving envoys of foreign states, as well as hosting important events and state ceremonies. The palace was constructed in the traditional Ottoman style, with the main residence fronted by a large garden courtyard. The façade of the palace consists of a large stone gate through which guests would enter. Other features of the palace include a grand entrance hall, terraced balconies, pavilions, an open-air hammam and various buildings used for state events. Tragically, many of the palace’s architectural features and decorative elements were destroyed during an earthquake in 1894. In 1952, the palace was declared a museum, but was later closed in 2015. Currently, restoration efforts are taking place to ensure the building’s future as a tourist destination. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Aynalikavak Palace (also known as Aynalıkavak Kasrı) is situated near the shoreline of the Bosporus Strait in Beykoz, Istanbul, and is believed to have been built in the 18th century during Ottoman rule. 2. The palace is considered an important milestone in the development of Ottoman architecture, featuring both baroque and neoclassical elements. 3. The palace grounds cover an area of roughly 17,000 square meters, and the main building is constructed from stone and brick. 4. The palace is well-known for its highly decorative pediments and columns, ornate stonework, and soaring domes. 5. In 1970, the palace was declared a “cultural asset” by the Turkish Ministry of Culture, and it was used as a presidential residence by Suleyman Demirel between 1993 and 1999. 6. In the early 21st century, the palace was transformed into a museum, where visitors may admire its unique features and learn more about its history. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era