Glimpse into Ottoman Grandeur
Selim, it is said, changed his mind after three years. Upon learning from the Bostanji-bashi that his son’s sentence had not been carried out, he relented, releasing Suleiman and restoring him to favor. Suleiman, upon ascending the throne, constructed a palace in the village Mount Bulgurlu. As a remembrance of his captivity and rescue, he personally planted a cypress tree. At Kulehli, various Roman and Byzantine artifacts, including tombs, columns, and marbles with crosses, were discovered. These findings are believed to be remnants of the ancient palace converted by Theodora, wife of Justinian, into the nunnery of Our Lady of Repentance for fallen women.
Kulehli Unveiling Ancient Splendors
Moving forward from Kulehli, we encounter Chenghel Keui, a place of no particular significance. Beylerbey follows, once a favored water-side retreat for the Byzantines and now an exclusively Turkish village where only Muslims are permitted to own land or property. The elegant mosque near the landing-stage, adorned with graceful minarets, was constructed by Sultan Hamid I in 1778 and later expanded by Sultan Mahmud II. The adjacent Beylerbey Palace, built-in 1866 by Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz, is a magnificent structure entirely made of white marble. The Bosporus frontage is primarily designated for the harem.
Beylerbey Palace Ottoman Opulence Unveiled
The interior boasts Oriental decor, with matting covering the floors instead of carpets, creating an authentic Eastern ambiance. The grand hall of columns Private Istanbul Tours, adorned with a marble basin in the center, the staircase, and several harem saloons and dining rooms showcase exquisite Turkish decorative art. Scattered throughout the garden are bronze figures of animals. The hillside menagerie, once housing various animals, now features a limited selection, including a tigress, a lioness, deer, and rare birds. Many animals have passed away, while ostriches and peacocks were relocated to Yildiz Kiosk. Notably, in 1869, this palace hosted Empress Eugenie of France during her visit to Constantinople.
