A recommended stop after Grand Çamlıca Mosque via a uber or taxi ride- this place is walled in and honestly, who knew what was on the other side of this. But ya know what- forget the actual Palace- this post should really be called “the glory of the Bosphorus Strait bank”. What a stunning marble clad bank side with chairs and tables to take in the water and the view. I physically had to stop- there are really places that stop you in your tracks. I would definitely come back to this place just to sit here at this view for much, much longer. As a walker, I quickly learned that the bank of the Bosphorus is extremely carved up so there is rare opportunity to walk along it for any real duration- so when you find it, take it whatever the space allowed. (I did find a great spot on the other side at the Galataport Promenade – in my top recommended list).
The Palace itself is as much of a demonstration of the opulence of the Turks as Versailles was for the French or the Borghese was for the Italians. There was no expense spared cost- especially at the sitting pool at the center of the Palace which made me laugh out of loud in all honesty. It is an eye opening experience and a big contrast coming from the Grand Çamlıca Mosque- these two plus the Istanbul Museum of Modern art, make a great trio to reflect on the complexity of the city and its continuing evolution.
Address: Beylerbeyi, Abdullahağa Cd., 34676 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
Website: Beylerbeyi Palace write up
