Yildiz Palace The Yıldız Palace, also referred to as the Star Palace, was built in 1880 and functioned as the residence of the Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II. Originally covered by dense forests, the area was converted into a royal estate during the early 17th century under the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. Throughout the years, several Ottoman sultans, including Abdülmecid I and Abdülaziz, constructed mansions here and used the grounds as a retreat. In the late 19th century, Sultan Abdülhamid II grew worried about a potential attack from the sea targeting Dolmabahçe Palace, located along the Bosphorus Straits. Consequently, he relocated to Yıldız Palace and commissioned the Italian architect Raimondo D'Aronco to design new structures for the palace complex. As a result, Yıldız Palace became the fourth official seat of the Ottoman government, following the Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, and the palace in Edirne, the empire’s former capital. Today, Yıldız Palace stands as one of Istanbul’s most prominent cultural and historical sites. The complex includes several buildings such as the State Apartments, Büyük Mabeyn, Şale Pavilion, Malta Pavilion, Çadır Pavilion, the Yıldız Theater, and the Opera House. Visitors can also explore the Imperial Porcelain Factory located on the palace grounds. Additionally, a bridge links Yıldız Palace to the nearby Çırağan Palace, featuring fountains and statues that showcase Ottoman heritage. If you have any questions or would like more details about Yıldız Palace, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via WhatsApp, and we will respond promptly.