While in Istanbul make sure to visit the palaces, the legacy left by different sultans. The Kucuksu Palace is a small palace that was built under the Ottoman Empire in 1857 by Sultan Abdulmecit. The wondrous pavilion was finished by the imperial architect Nikogos Balyan, sitting on three floors including the basement where there were kitchens and storage rooms. This palace was mainly used as a hunting lodge and a summer residence by several sultans and restored by Sultan Abdulaziz. The construction of the building has European elements in its architecture, rooms and halls are decorated with luxurious fireplaces made of Italian marble, fine wood flooring, European furniture, crystal chandeliers, Hereke carpets, paintings and mirrors. The marble accents of the palace are allegedly made with marble from Italy. The Kucuksu Palace was also used as a state guesthouse during the Republic period and then re-opened to the public as a museum. While wandering about the grounds of this palace should your hunger strike there is a small cafeteria where you can sip a refreshing cup of Turkish tea/coffee as you sit and observe the passing ships.
Once you have finished exploring this palace’s grounds make your way to other magnificent buildings such as the Ciragan Palace, Yildiz Palace and Topkapi Palace.