Aynalikavak Kasri

The structure that has adorned the shores of the Haliç since the 17th century and is known today as Aynalıkavak Kasrı is the only example that has survived to the present day from the group of structures known during the Ottoman State Period as “Aynalıkavak Sarayı” or “Tersane Sarayı.” Historical sources indicate that the area was also a resting place belonging to emperors during the Byzantine Period. After Fatih Sultan Mehmed’s (1444-1481) conquest of Istanbul, this large grove, which also attracted the interest of the Ottoman sultans, began to be called “Tersane Hasbahçesi” because of the Ottoman Shipyard established in the region.

The history of the first construction in the Hasbahçe goes back to the period of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, and the first pavilion definitely known to have been built here is dated to the period of Sultan I. Ahmed (1603-1617). This group of structures, which developed over the course of history with the pavilions commissioned by the sultans and was known as “Tersane Sarayı,” was also called “Aynalıkavak Sarayı” starting from the 17th century.

Aynalıkavak Kasrı, which is part of the palace complex and is thought to have been commissioned during the period of Sultan III. Ahmed (1703-1730), underwent a major restoration and was rearranged during the period of Sultan III. Selim (1789-1807), acquiring its present appearance. Among the Milli Saraylar structures, which mainly consist of 19th century palaces, mansions, and pavilions, Aynalıkavak Kasrı is the only structure from earlier periods to have survived to the present day, and it is extremely distinguished with its traditional architecture and decorative features. In a frieze running above the windows in the Dîvânhâne and Beste Odası, poems praising the pavilion and III. Selim by the well-known poets of the period, Şeyh Gâlib and Enderûnî Fâzıl, were written in ta‘lîk script by the calligrapher Mehmed Esad El Yesârî. With its mass that is two storeys on the sea façade and single-storey on the land façade, the pavilion, one of the last and interesting structures of Ottoman classical architecture, also reflects the taste of its age in terms of ornamentation and especially contains many elements of the culture of the period of the composer Sultan III. Selim. The revzenli upper windows characteristic of this period, the wide-eaved roofs, the built-in sofa arrangements in the interior decoration, and the braziers that formed the traditional heating method display views of a past way of life that has now disappeared.

Having completed its restoration and furnishing works, Aynalıkavak Kasrı was opened to visitors on 5 Kasım 2010, and its lower floor was turned into a museum where historical Turkish musical instruments are exhibited, in keeping with the artistic and mûsikîşinâs personality of Sultan III. Selim.

Places to Visit in Istanbul Address: Aynalıkavak Cad. Hasköy