Beylerbeyi palace was built as a summer residence and was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz and built between 1861-1865.

It was also a place to host foreign heads of state. Empress Eugenie of France and Franz Joseph of Austria were among the famous visitors.

The architect was Sarkis Balyan, who was the brother of Nigoğayos Balyan, the architect of Dolmabahçe Palace. Balyan family served as the principle architects of the Ottoman Sultanate in the 19th century.

The palace which was built in neo-Baroque style has 24 rooms, 6 halls, one hamam (Turkish bath) and one bathroom. Since Sultan Abdülaziz was very fond of the sea and ships, there are many ship paintings to be observed throughout the palace.

The palace consists of three sections:

• Mabeyn-i Hümayün: State apartments
• Hünkar Dairesi: Sultan’s apartment
• Valide Sultan Dairesi: Queen Mother’s apartment

Interesting fact: Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II was kept captive in the palace between 1912 and 1918.