Yildiz Palace is the second largest palace in Istanbul. Built over the late 19th to 20th centuries this palace is one of the last architectural examples of a typical Ottoman Palace. It is a complex of pavilions and gardens dispersed over an area of hills and valleys overlooking the Bosphorus. The pavilion was originally built by Sultan Ahmed I and over time, subsequent Sultans continues to build onto it, adding a fountain, summer kiosks and state apartments. The different courtyards served different purposes, with the construction of pools, greenhouse, aviaries, workshops and servants’ quarters. There are also two small mosques just outside the two main entrances.
The Palace was used as a private residence for the Sultans, but also parts of the palace were allocated to the officials for repair shops and carpentry shops. The buildings that were once allocated to the military academy have been vacated, but the ones located on the north side are still used by the military. In the area that is now known as Yildiz Park, there are famous porcelain workshops open to the public. In 1993, the Palace officially became a museum, home to rich decorations, valuable furniture and well-kept gardens and architecture.
While on your trip to Istanbul other marvellous palaces worth visiting are Topkapi Palace, Kucuksu Palace and Ciragan Palace.