Yildiz Palace Museum

Yildiz Palace is a sprawling Ottoman complex in the Besiktas neighborhood of Istanbul, spanning around 500,000 square meters. Built during the late nineteenth century, it served as the primary residence of Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II from 1876 to 1909. The palace features multiple pavilions, administrative buildings, a mosque, a clock tower, a library, and beautifully restored gardens with an artificial cascade pool and decorative wooden bridges.

The museum reopened in 2024 following a seven-year restoration. Visitors can explore ornate rooms filled with period furnishings and antiques, and the grounds contain cafes and offer peaceful surroundings. Photography is permitted in the outdoor areas and gardens but is restricted inside the buildings, and a visit typically takes three to four hours.