Istanbul’s pavilions—known as kasrı—stand as architectural marvels, telling the story of Ottoman grandeur, leisurely escapes, and moments of statecraft. These structures, built for relaxation, ceremony, and reflection, trace the evolving tastes and ambitions of sultans over centuries. Here, we journey through the city’s most renowned pavilions, from early classical designs to the ornate expressions of the 19th century.
Tiled Pavilion (Çinili Köşk) – 1472
Built by Sultan Mehmed II, known as Mehmed the Conqueror, the Tiled Pavilion is one of Istanbul’s oldest pavilions. Dating back to 1472, this structure is a rare example of early Ottoman architecture within the Topkapı Palace complex. Mehmed II commissioned it as a ceremonial hall, with tiled interiors that reflect a blend of Ottoman and Persian design influences. It served as both a residence and a place for state functions, used by Mehmed and successive sultans. Today, the pavilion still stands, housing a museum of Turkish and Islamic ceramics, offering visitors a glimpse into early Ottoman aesthetics and cultural pride.
Image: Çinili Köşk Museum by José Luis Filpo Cabana, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Revan Pavilion (Revan Kasrı) – 1636
As the Ottoman Empire expanded, so did its architectural symbols. Sultan Murad IV, known for his military prowess, commissioned the Revan Pavilion within Topkapı Palace in 1636. The pavilion celebrated Murad’s victory in capturing Yerevan (known as Revan in Ottoman Turkish) from Safavid Persia. With its intricate woodwork, gilded designs, and scenic views over the Bosphorus, the pavilion provided a space for Murad and future sultans to relax and contemplate. The Revan Pavilion remains intact today, offering a richly decorated window into Murad IV’s legacy.
Baghdad Pavilion (Bağdat Kasrı) – 1639
Sultan Murad IV’s victory over Baghdad in 1638 was immortalized with the construction of the Baghdad Pavilion. Built in 1639 within Topkapı Palace, this pavilion boasts some of the most impressive woodwork and mother-of-pearl inlay seen in Ottoman architecture. Its central domed ceiling, with turquoise tiles and intricate designs, is a prime example of the Ottomans’ blending of aesthetics with political triumph. Used by Murad IV and later sultans as a place of contemplation, the Baghdad Pavilion still stands today, a celebrated part of Topkapı Palace that attracts historians and tourists alike.
Ihlamur Pavilion (Ihlamur Kasrı) – 1849
Fast-forwarding to the 19th century, the Ottoman taste shifted toward European influences. Commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1849, the Ihlamur Pavilion in Beşiktaş reflects this shift with its Baroque flourishes and neo-classical details. It was designed as a retreat, surrounded by linden trees, where the sultan could escape the pressures of court life. Used by Abdülmecid and his successor Abdülaziz, Ihlamur offered a refuge with a markedly European aesthetic. The pavilion survives today and is open to the public, surrounded by lush gardens, making it one of Istanbul’s most picturesque historical sites.
Küçüksu Pavilion (Küçüksu Kasrı) – 1857
In 1857, Sultan Abdülmecid I continued his pursuit of European-inspired architectural forms with the construction of the Küçüksu Pavilion. Located along the Bosphorus in the suburb of Küçüksu, this pavilion’s opulent Rococo design reflects the Western tastes that had permeated Ottoman architecture by the mid-19th century. Once a favorite retreat of sultans Abdülmecid and Abdülaziz, it was used for hunting excursions and informal gatherings. Today, Küçüksu stands as a stunning reminder of Ottoman luxury and artistic adaptation, preserved as a museum open to the public.
Beylerbeyi Pavilion (Beylerbeyi Kasrı) – 1865
Sultan Abdülaziz’s reign marked the construction of the Beylerbeyi Pavilion in 1865. Intended as a summer residence and a place to entertain visiting dignitaries, this pavilion reflects the increasing fusion of Ottoman and European influences. Located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, it offers one of the most majestic waterfront views in Istanbul. Beylerbeyi hosted a number of distinguished guests, including European monarchs, and provided a setting for both political meetings and leisurely respite. The pavilion, still preserved today, remains a hallmark of Ottoman diplomacy and hospitality.
Maslak Pavilion (Maslak Kasrı) – 1868
The Maslak Pavilion represents one of the final expressions of Ottoman pavilion architecture before the empire’s decline. Built by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1868 in the northern suburbs of Istanbul, Maslak served as a hunting lodge and retreat. With its unique blend of Ottoman and European design, it was later used by Sultan Abdülhamid II, who enjoyed its seclusion. Today, the pavilion is part of Istanbul’s cultural heritage, offering insight into the evolving tastes of the later Ottoman sultans and their approach to luxury.
Istanbul’s Pavilion Legacy
The pavilions of Istanbul narrate a layered history, from the medieval conquest to modern diplomacy. These structures embody the transformations within Ottoman society, capturing a range of styles that speak to different eras and sultans. Many of these pavilions survive to this day, carefully preserved as cultural treasures and open to the public, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the lavish retreats that once housed the sultans’ visions, victories, and moments of leisure.
