Beylerbeyi Palace

Commissioned by Mahmud II (1809-1839) and built between 1829 and 1832 in the İstavroz Imperial Gardens that extends from the shore to Bağlarbaşı, Beylerbeyi Palace was comprised of two timber storeys set on a masonry basement. The structure was also referred to as the “Yellow Palace” due to its colour. The complex, designed by architect Krikor Amira Balyan (d. 1831), features an organic plan and Empire-style façades. The present-day Beylerbeyi Palace commissioned by Abdülaziz (1861-1876) to replace the former structure was completed in 1864.