The Ottoman Empire was one of the world’s great empires, ruling modern Turkey and many other nations for many years and playing a significant role in the spread of Islam throughout the world. Since then, numerous structures and palaces have survived and are now known as tourist attractions, attracting visitors from all over the world. One of these tourist attractions, Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace, is also a luxury hotel. This magnificent palace was developed by the most renowned Ottoman architects and built with royal architecture.
History of Ciragan Palace
This palace was begun in 1863 under Sultan Abdul Aziz I’s reign and completed in 1872, after a 12-year construction period. The palace was conceived and built by Armenian architect Sarkis Balian and his two sons, who were regarded as the best Turkish architects at the period. Raan Palace’s walls and ceilings were made of wood, while the palace’s outer walls were coated in colored marble.
The palace was connected to Yildiz Palace on the nearby hill by exquisite marble, and the palace garden was isolated from the exterior by a very high wall. The building’s construction was supported using funds intended for the reconstruction of Istanbul’s water system.
This is the Ottoman Empire’s final palace for the royal family, and it served as Sultan Abdul Aziz I’s residence until his death, when his nephew Sultan Murat IV moved in. Sultan Murat’s time at this palace, however, was short 90 days when his brother Sultan Abdul Hamid II expelled him under the guise of insanity, and Abdul Hamid II remained in the palace until 1910.
On January 6, 1910, the main building was destroyed by fire, leaving only the exterior walls of the structure, which is why the palace remained vacant for a time and was forgotten.
Ciragan Palace was eventually purchased by a Japanese business, which refurbished the main building. Following its renovation, the palace became one of Turkey’s most opulent hotels, as well as one of the top hotels in the world.
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How to Visit Ciragan Palace
You are not need to stay at this hotel in order to see and use its facilities. In other words, the public and tourists are welcome to view the historical section of the palace. To save money during your vacation in Istanbul, you might stay in another hotel and visit this palace instead of staying in this hotel, which is highly expensive.
You can use some of the hotel’s public facilities, including as the Turkish bath, massage parlour, outdoor swimming pool, gym, free internet, and other amenities, in addition to touring historical landmarks.