Topkapisi Waterfront Palace

Topkapısı Waterfront Palace was initially constructed during the reign of Mahmud I (1730-1754) next to the Cannon Gate in Sarayburnu. It was rebuilt in the 19th century upon the orders of Mahmud II (1809-1839). As part of the construction, Top Kapısı (Cannon Gate), after which the palace was named, was demolished and the new structure was extended to the north as well as the south (towards Şevkiye Pavillion). The new waterfront palace, which is considerably larger than its predecessor, has two storeys and a hipped roof. Reminiscent of the Empire style which gained much popularity during Mahmud II’s reign, the long, jagged façade of the structure features numerous rectangular windows. Designed to obscure the people promenading in the garden -later examples of which are to be seen in Çırağan and Beylerbeyi Palaces- a wall stretches along the sea side. To the right of the palace, opening onto the quay is a garden entrance portico with a triangular pediment.