Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace is a stunning 19th-century Ottoman palace located in Istanbul's Üsküdar district, on the Asian side of the Bosporus. Commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and completed between 1861 and 1865, this architectural gem served as a summer residence and a venue for hosting foreign dignitaries, including Empress Eugénie of France and Emperor Wilhelm II. Designed in the Second Empire style by Sarkis Balyan, the palace features a unique blend of European and Ottoman influences, with lavish interiors adorned with Turkish carpets, Baccarat chandeliers, and exquisite porcelain vases. Today, it operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans and the rich history of the era.