Yıldız Palace draws visitors' attention

Dr. Yasin Yıldız, President of the Directorate of National Palaces shared insights on the history and significance of Yıldız Palace. 'For the first time in its history, Yıldız Palace has welcomed thousands of local and international visitors. This is truly remarkable,' said Dr. Yıldız. Yıldız noted that visits to the palace have reached record levels since last month, with over 200,000 people visiting the site in the past 26 days alone. 'The palace welcomes an average of around 7,500 to 8,000 visitors daily,' he stated. He then added: 'Considering the attention it draws, it is safe to say that Yıldız Palace has already secured its place among the top museums in our country. It will attract even more visitors once the restorations are complete.' The Yıldız Palace complex holds special significance as it is the last palace of the Ottoman Empire. It served as both the administrative center of the state and the residence of the Sultan and his family for 33 years. Dr. Yıldız emphasized this cultural and historical significance the palace holds, saying: 'Yıldız Palace is home to several important historical buildings, with the Great Mabeyn Pavilion being one of the most significant. There's also the Small Mabeyn Pavilion and another pavilion that served as both the residence and office of the Sultan, which are also open to visitors.' Yıldız also mentioned the gardens, which captivate the attention of visitors. 'One of the features that make this complex unique is the palace garden. Sultan Abdülhamid's magnificent garden is one of the rarest examples of palace gardens worldwide. Ever since the palace started welcoming visitors, the garden has been one of the most popular attractions,' he said. He also recommended visitors to see the palace library, a rare example of a royal library in Türkiye that has drawn great interest for over 100 years. 'The palace museum is located in Çit Pavilion, showcasing numerous artifacts belonging to Sultan Abdülhamid II, who ruled for 33 years and was one of the last Ottoman sultans,' he said. Dr. Yıldız also mentioned that the palace has eight museums in total, including a photography museum and a museum showcasing palace furniture. Yıldız pointed out that only 100 acres of the palace complex is currently open to visitors, noting that restoration work continues on some buildings, particularly on their exteriors. Yıldız Palace in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, is open to visitors every day except Mondays. Entries will be free of charge until August 31.

Yıldız Palace draws visitors' attention

The Yıldız Palace complex, sprawling over nearly 500,000 square meters in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, has become a major attraction for visitors. Open every day except Mondays, the palace complex offers a unique glimpse into Turkish history and culture.