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Beylerbeyi Palace, a jewel-like imperial legacy standing on the shores of the Bosphorus, is undergoing its most extensive restoration to date, according to an exclusive report by Turkish media outlet Türkiye daily's Murat Oztekin.
Built as a summer palace by Sultan Abdulaziz between 1863 and 1865, the structure hosted sultans and important statesmen throughout its nearly 150-year history. The palace witnessed important Ottoman events and now faces its biggest renovation in approximately 150 years.
The restoration includes the historically significant rooms where Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his final six years under house arrest until his death on Feb. 10, 1918.
Sultan Abdulhamid II was born in Istanbul on Sept. 21, 1842, and ruled the Ottoman Empire for 33 years. He was well-educated and multilingual, speaking French, Arabic, and Persian, and traveled through Europe and Egypt.
The Sultan was also musically talented, playing piano, and skilled in carpentry, making his own furniture.
National Palaces is conducting the restoration work, which began last year and is expected to be completed in 2026. The project encompasses the entire main building, including the roof, exterior facade, and both the selamlik (men's quarters) and harem sections.
Special rooms being renovated include Sultan Abdulhamid II's bedroom, study, bathroom, and the "Musfika Kadin Efendi Room" belonging to his wife, Ayse Sultan. Time-related deterioration and various damages in these historically significant spaces are being addressed.
National Palaces Restoration Department Head Goksen Caniyilmaz told Türkiye daily, "This carries the distinction of being the largest restoration in Beylerbeyi Palace's history. Allah willing, we will restore the palace's main building completely. However, to avoid stopping visits, we are conducting our work in phases. We started with the roof, facade, and harem in the first phase."
"Later, we will restore the selamlik section. In our work, we are doing foundation strengthening, cleaning, conservation, and restoration in line with the approved project."
Emphasizing the palace's sensitivity due to its proximity to the sea, Caniyilmaz said, "There is such good workmanship in the palace that we are being very careful. We are trying to extend the life of structural elements while preserving their original state. We want to carry forward the ancestral heritage that has reached us."
Caniyilmaz noted the careful work being conducted in the sections where Sultan Abdulhamid lived his imprisonment: "Beylerbeyi is one of the palaces with the most authentic items. Sultan Abdulhamid's belongings have also survived to today in their original form. "
"The bed that Sultan Abdulhamid used and died on, sitting sets, crescent-shaped armchairs, writing sets, and the library are among many original items in the palace inventory. Some of these items are currently displayed in the 'Pool Hall' due to restoration."
"The works in the Sultan's study are meeting visitors at the Abdulhamid Han Museum located within Yildiz Palace. After restoration, all will continue to be exhibited at Beylerbeyi," he added.
Saying that the palace has become synonymous with Abdulhamid Han, Caniyilmaz continued: "Although Beylerbeyi Palace was built during Sultan Aziz's era, it became synonymous with Sultan Hamid. Because Sultan Abdulhamid, who ruled the country for 33 years and served the Ottoman Empire, died here. After restoration, visitors will be able to better understand how he held onto life despite the difficulties he experienced. Being able to bring this to life is very precious for us."
When asked if any interesting memories were found during restoration, Caniyilmaz replied, "There is no new discovery in the current situation, but our process continues!"
Despite ongoing restoration work, Beylerbeyi Palace continues welcoming visitors and hosted 649,000 people in 2024, remaining among the favorite venues of National Palaces.
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