Topkapi Palace, constructed between 1460-1478 by Sultan Mehmed II (known as the Conqueror), served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans and a center for state governance and education. This palace, which underwent several expansions over time, was home to Ottoman sultans and the palace community until the mid-19th century. Upon entering Istanbul, Mehmed II…
The Dolmabahçe Clock Museum, housed within the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, is a unique and fascinating destination for those interested in the history and artistry of timekeeping. The museum’s collection predominantly features 19th-century clocks, with a smaller section representing the 18th century. Museum Highlights: French Clocks: The majority of the collection consists of French…
The Palace Collections Museum, located in the Imperial Palace Kitchens of Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, is a significant cultural and historical site. This museum, built by Sultan Abdülmecid, showcases a vast collection of objects from the late Ottoman period, offering insight into the imperial lifestyle, art, and culture. Museum Highlights: Collections of Sultan Abdülhamid II:…
During the Ottoman period, flat and fragmented window glass could not be produced. At that time, the Doge of Venice gifted crystal Venetian mirrors to the sultan. The Sultan ordered these mirrors to be used in the construction of a palace, specifically requesting a palace that would suit the tall poplar-like mirrors. Hence, the palace…
Great Çamlıca Mosque Islamic Civilizations Museum The Museum of Islamic Civilizations, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a notable institution dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage and contributions of Islamic civilization. Housed within the complex of the Büyük Çamlıca Mosque, which opened in 2019 as the largest mosque in Istanbul and Turkey, the museum offers an…
The Beykoz Glass and Crystal Museum, located in Istanbul, is a significant cultural site that showcases the history and artistry of Turkish glassmaking. This museum, set in the historical building of the Beykoz Imperial Glass and Crystal Factory, highlights the Ottoman Empire’s rich tradition in glass and crystal production. History of the Building: The museum…
The National Palaces Museum of Painting, located in the Apartment of the Heir Apparent at Dolmabahçe Palace, is an important cultural and historical site in Turkey. This building, a significant architectural symbol, was constructed during Sultan Abdülmecid’s reign and marked a new era of freedom for Ottoman heirs after the 1839 Reforms. It served as…
