Audio GuideYıldız Palace

Yıldız Palace, whose name means “Star Palace,” rests on a leafy hillside above the bustling Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. Unlike the many splendid Ottoman palaces lining the Bosphorus, Yıldız was set apart, designed with privacy and security in mind, and surrounded by ancient plane trees and bright, well-tended gardens.

Erkan Erol

Centuries ago, this area served as royal hunting grounds for Ottoman sultans. Over time, the slopes became dotted with small pavilions and gardens. The true history of Yıldız began at the end of the eighteenth century, when a sultan chose this site to build a summer residence for his mother. Later, seeking a quiet retreat away from the busy and sometimes unsafe waterfront, other rulers expanded the estate. By the late nineteenth century, Sultan Abdülhamid the Second had transformed Yıldız into a vast palace complex, making it the heart of the Ottoman Empire’s power.

Mustafa Uğur

A visit to Yıldız today takes you through a collection of distinctive buildings, each with its own character and story. The splendid State Apartments, called the Büyük Mabeyn, were once a stage for foreign royals and distinguished guests. Close by is the Şale Pavilion, which blends Ottoman and European architectural influences—its graceful halls decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay and exquisite handwoven carpets. Sultan Abdülhamid himself, who was passionate about woodwork, even crafted some of the furniture found here.

Tamer Elkady

Nearby you will find the Imperial Porcelain Factory, a late nineteenth-century creation with its castle-like exterior. This was where delicate bowls, plates, and vases destined for the Ottoman court were fashioned, often adorned with idyllic scenes of Istanbul’s waterside.

Haris Mustafa

The palace gardens, which once bloomed with rare plants brought from distant lands, later became a peaceful haven for Istanbul residents. In one of the pavilions, you can explore a collection that includes precious porcelain and the sultan’s personal belongings—from silver combs and delicate mirrors to handwritten books neatly arranged on dark walnut shelves.

The grounds also include the Yıldız Mosque, an eye-catching mix of traditional Ottoman design and neo-Gothic flourishes, and an unusual clock tower, with pointed arches and a richly decorated dome, completed in the late nineteenth century.

Beyond its beauty, Yıldız Palace saw its share of political intrigue. During a notable trial held here, senior officials faced judgment within the palace walls. When the age of sultans ended, Yıldız’s purpose changed many times—serving as a casino, then a guesthouse, and now, following extensive renovations, a museum.

As you walk down its hushed passages and beneath gilded ceilings, you catch glimpses of both dazzling celebrations and quieter, more suspenseful episodes. The palace’s treasures include everyday objects, artworks, and haunting photographs of old Istanbul—all reminders of the people and events that shaped this “star” among the city’s royal landmarks.