Before exploring this historical palace, let's look at its past, learn about its history, and find out which sultans' reigns this magnificent palace witnessed.
The history of Yildiz Palace dates back to the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. The sultan had the first pavilion built on this land, which was used as a hunting ground during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent. End of the 18th century, Sultan Selim III had a pavilion built for Queen Mother Mihrisah and a rococo fountain built for his father Mustafa III. After Selim III, Sultan Mahmud II frequently visited Yildiz Palace to watch archery and wrestling competitions and check the training of his new army.
Sultan Abdulmecid had a new pavilion built in place of the existing pavilions in 1842, while Sultan Abdulaziz had additional buildings built. After Abdulaziz was dethroned, Sultan Murat V also lived in Yildiz Palace.
During the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II, the palace was greatly expanded and the surrounding land was transformed into a garden known as Yildiz Park. During this period, the palace began to be used as the administrative center of the state.
During the reign of Sultan Vahdettin, the sultan generally used the Dolmabahce Palace. Between 1941 and 1946, the palace was used by the Armed Forces, then allocated to the War Academies. After remaining desolated for a while, it was transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1978.
Yildiz Palace is a significant structure that reflects the architectural and cultural richness of the last period of the Ottoman Empire. Let's now look at the architecture and general features of this magnificent structure.
