A Prince's Palace: Maslak Kasr-ı Hümayunu (Maslak Pavilions)
First used as a hunting lodge during the reign of Mahmud II, most of the Maslak Pavilions were built in the 19th century during the reign of Abdulaziz. These historical buildings in Maslak, known for its business centers, were the place where Sultan Abdulhamid II spent the last years of his princedom and received the Sultanate invitation.
The first building you come across on your visit is the Kasr-ı Hümayün. The two-story and modest building is the main building that can be visited. When you enter, there are rooms to the right and left and a second floor built in a similar way. There are rooms such as study rooms, bedrooms and guest rooms in this building. Some of the furniture in the rooms are made by Abdülhamit himself, who was interested in carpentry. For example, the stairs leading from the entrance hall to the upper floor were built by Prince Abdülhamid. It was made by fitting method without using a single nail. Another striking element in the rooms are the decorations on the walls and the fireplaces used to heat the region, which is cold in winters.
Abdulhamid’s interest in plants is clearly understood from the greenhouse next to him. Dozens of different plants in the greenhouse, together with the pool in the center, create a beautiful image. This place is called Limonluk and it is connected to the one-story building called Mabeyn-i Hümayun, which opens to the greenhouse called Limonluk.
The octagonal structure on the other side of this building is the Çadır Köşkü, which today serves as a cafe. You can eat, drink or have breakfast in this cafeteria affiliated to the National Palaces.
Although the Maslak Pavilions look like a large area on the map, the part that is open to visitors is quite small. The main building and the orangery, which is the botanical area, are the main points of the tour. Other areas are closed to visitors. You can complete the tour in about 45 minutes.
The Maslak neighborhood was named after the water distribution centers. The water collected in the dykes in the Fatih Forest was carried to the highest point of the region and water was distributed to the city with the help of maslaks. Maslak Pavilions, like many other pavilions in Istanbul, is used as one of the wedding photo shooting areas. The white pavilion, stairs, lower garden, greenhouse are suitable areas for shooting.
How much is the entrance fee to Maslak Pavilions?
You can use your Müzekart to enter the Maslak Pavilions. Those who use Müzekart can enter for free. If you do not have a Müzekart, there is an entrance fee and student discount. It can be visited every day of the week except Monday between 09:00 – 17:00 working hours.
When you enter, you will be given a headset and a remote control. Thanks to this information tool, you can get detailed and good information when you enter the numbers at the entrances while visiting the buildings and rooms. You can also use the audio narration device by wearing your own headphones.
Where is Maslak Pavilions and how to get there?
When you go towards Hacı Osman from Levent to Maslak, you enter the Maslak Pavilions sign on the right side. It is already very close to the road. Maslak Pavilions is right next to Maslak Army House. There is a parking lot for about 10 cars at the entrance. But if it is full, you can also leave your car in the nearby parking lot. If you cannot find it, you can ask the staff at the entrance of the army house.
If you want to go by bus, you need to get off at Şişli Atatürk Sanayi Junction Bus Stop and if you want to go by Metro, you need to get off at Sarıyer Darüşşafaka Metro Station Stop.
