beylerbeyi

Beylerbeyi is a neighborhood in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, Turkey, located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. The name derives from the Ottoman title beylerbeyi, meaning “chief bey” or governor of a large province, reflecting the historical administrative role within the empire.

A defining feature of Beylerbeyi is Beylerbeyi Palace, an imperial residence built between 1861 and 1865 by order of Sultan Abdulaziz. Designed largely by the Balyan family, the two-story palace sits along the Bosphorus and is noted for its ornate interiors, long waterfront façade, and formal reception spaces used for ceremonies and hosting foreign dignitaries. The palace served as a summer residence for members of the Ottoman court and was used for official events by later sultans, including Abdulaziz and Abdul Hamid II. In 1954 it was opened as a museum and is now part of Istanbul’s state museum system, preserving rooms and furnishings from the period.

Today the Beylerbeyi neighborhood is primarily residential, featuring historic houses and smaller streets that run along the hillside above the water. The palace complex remains the principal historic attraction in the area, drawing visitors for guided tours and to view late Ottoman-era architectural details. The district is connected to the broader Istanbul metro and ferry networks, reflecting its continued role as a living, urban neighborhood while retaining its cultural and historical significance.