Audio GuideYıldız Palace

Yıldız Palace, or “Star Palace,” sits on a green hillside above Istanbul’s lively Beşiktaş district. While many grand Ottoman palaces stand along the shores of the Bosphorus, Yıldız was designed for security and privacy, tucked among ancient plane trees and colorful gardens.

Erkan Erol

Centuries ago, these grounds were hunting forests for the Ottoman sultans. Over time, small pavilions and gardens dotted the slopes. The story of Yıldız truly began at the end of the eighteenth century, when a sultan built a summer residence here for his mother. Later rulers, drawn by the peaceful space away from the bustle and threats near the water, expanded the estate. By the late nineteenth century, Sultan Abdülhamid the Second turned Yıldız into an enormous palace complex and made it the seat of power for the Ottoman Empire.

Mustafa Uğur

Wandering through Yıldız today, you move between distinct buildings, each with its own style and story. The grand State Apartments, known as Büyük Mabeyn, once hosted foreign royals and important guests. Nearby is the Şale Pavilion, a blend of Ottoman and European architecture with its elegant halls sparkling with mother-of-pearl and handwoven carpets. Sultan Abdülhamid, who was skilled at woodwork, even crafted furniture here himself.

Tamer Elkady

Not far away, the Imperial Porcelain Factory, built in the late nineteenth century, stands out with its castle-like walls. This was where fine bowls, plates, and vases for the Ottoman court were made, often painted with dreamy views of Istanbul’s waterfront.

Haris Mustafa

In the palace gardens, rare flowers once bloomed, ordered from across continents. The peaceful gardens later welcomed local people as a respite from city life. In one pavilion, you can see a display of precious porcelain and the sultan’s personal objects, from silver combs and tiny mirrors to handwritten books lined up on deep walnut shelves.

The estate also features the Yıldız Mosque—a striking blend of Ottoman tradition and neogothic style—and a unique clock tower with pointed arches and an ornate dome, built in the late nineteenth century.

Yıldız was not just a symbol of Ottoman luxury; it also witnessed political drama. In one dramatic trial, high officials faced justice on its grounds. After the sultans’ era ended, Yıldız’s role shifted—first as a casino, then a guesthouse, now a museum after years of careful restoration completed recently.

Walking along quiet corridors or under gold-tinted ceilings, you can sense stories of lavish celebrations as well as moments of intrigue. The palace’s collection holds artifacts from daily palace life, artworks, and beautiful photographs capturing Istanbul in black and white—reminders of the people and moments that shaped this “star” among Istanbul’s royal treasures.