Southern Turkey Family Holidays
Istanbul Tour Palaces

Topkapı Palace

On the shores of the Bosporus and Marmara Sea is a myriad of buildings that was originally the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th right through to the 19th centuries. Inside the courtyards of the palace are magnificent gardens, and the palace kitchen holds a display of crystal ware, silver ware and China porcelain.  These lead you to the famous harem which was the secluded living area of the wives and concubines of the sultan.  Additionally, at the palace, you will find the Audience Hall where people met with the sultan, the Library of Sultan Ahmet III, an exhibition of the robes and clothing worn by the sultans and their families, the opulent jewellery of the Imperial Treasury and a display of miniatures.  Also housed within one of the courtyards is the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle, which encases the relics of the Prophet Mohammed.

Dolmabaçhe Palace

Again situated on the banks of the Bosporus, this palace was built during the 19th century by Sultan Abdülmecit, with an impressive 600 metre frontage facing the river.  Most people visit in order to see the huge salon with its 56 columns and huge chandelier, weighing in at 4.5 tonnes, and having 750 bulbs.  A unique feature of the palace is the Bird Pavilion where birds from all over the world were once kept.  The architecture of the harem is in complete contrast to the rest of the palace.  Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, died here on November 10th 1938. 

Yıldız Palace

The construction of this palace took a very long time but was finally completed by Abdülhamet II at the end of the 19th century, and includes pavilions and a mosque. Set in a huge park, on the top of a hill, with trees and plants brought from all over the world, it boasts spectacular panoramic views of the Bosporus.  The largest of the buildings here is the Şale illustrates the luxury enjoyed here over a century ago.  Currently you can only visit the park and the Şale at this site. 

Beylerberi Palace

This white marble palace stands on the Asian side of Istanbul and was built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülaziz.  It was once one of the summer residences for the sultans, with beautiful gardens and magnolia trees, and a guest house for visiting foreign dignitaries.

Göksu Palace (Küçüksu)

The name of this palace, “small water” comes from the small streams nearby that run into the Bosporus.  It was built by Sultan Abdülmecit in the middle of the 19th century for use as his summer residence