The Beylerbeyi Palace And The Eyüp District In Istanbul

The Asian part of Istanbul houses jewels such as the Eyüp Mosque or the small Beylerbeyi Palace.
Beylerbeyi Palace and the Eyüp district in Istanbul

Istanbul has wonderful places and one of them is the Beylerbeyi Palace. In the Asian part of the most multicultural city in the world, you can enjoy what was the residence of sultans since its construction in the mid-19th century. It is more modest than other palaces in the city, but just as beautiful.

But also, on the Asian side that separates the waters of the Bosphorus, and after crossing its famous bridge, you will also find other areas that are just as interesting, such as the Eyüp district. To immerse yourself in these neighborhoods is to do so in an important part of the history of the city.

Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace

View of the Beylerbeyi Palace in Istanbul
Beylerbeyi Palace

Once you cross the Bosphorus Bridge, the image of the Beylerbeyi Palace will start to make you fall in love. At the crossroads of the strait, you  will be dazzled by its exterior architecture, with the presence of the bathroom pavilions. There are two, one exclusively for women and the other for men.

The marble construction of this building attracts the interest of everyone who passes by. In the distance, as you cross the bridge, the Beylerbeyi Palace appears to float on water. A magnificent snapshot that falls in love with anyone who can enjoy it.

The interior of the palace

Interior of the Beylerbeyi Palace
Interior of the Beylerbeyi Palace

If there is one room that stands out from the rest, that is the reception room. Its beauty is particular, because inside there is a fountain and a pond that attract all the glances of tourists. But on the visit to the Beylerbeyi palace you will see many other rooms and large rooms.

On the tour you will appreciate that the decoration comes from very different countries, although what attracts the most attention are the large chandeliers. Keep in mind that the Beylerbeyi Palace was built as a residence for the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, hence the wealth.

On the other hand, the presence of water is very important in the building. It is full of ponds, fountains and swimming pools. And it has a running water system that does double duty. Refresh the environment and as a particular ‘soundtrack’. The soothing sound of the water is heard throughout the building and creates a unique atmosphere.

Get to know the Eyüp district

Eyüp neighborhood with the mosque
Eyüp neighborhood

It is not one of the main tourist areas of Istanbul, but the Eyüp district will not leave you indifferent. Its main monument is the mosque that bears the same name. In it you can be aware of the strong religious sentiment of the population in this area.

Regarding its history, this mosque has a very particular one. Muhammad’s standard bearer, Ayyub Al-Ansari, is supposed to be buried here. It is thought that he died here in the 7th century. But it was several centuries later, in the 15th century, that a sultan found the tomb and ordered the mosque to be built in its place.

This mosque, like others, can be visited, as long as it is not a prayer time. Inside, you will be amazed by its wonderful aesthetic, which conveys a sense of purity thanks to the white marble color.

Eyüp Cemetery

Eyüp cemetery tombs in Istanbul
Eyüp Cemetery – Maria / Flcikr.com

In the Eyüp neighborhood, its cemetery also stands out. The area was used as a burial site after the construction of the mosque. Many people wanted to be buried next to the place where Ayyub Al-Ansari remains.

In this way, the mountain where it is located becomes a very unique cemetery. The sculptures and the tombstones themselves remain in the open, visible to anyone. Many Muslims come to this place to pray in the mosque, but also thousands of tourists.

Cemeteries, sometimes, are usually a destination sought by travelers who appreciate the beauty of these places. And, in this sense, the one in Eyüp has a particular charm due to the area in which it is located.

Istanbul, the beautiful capital of the Ottoman Empire

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