Byzantine writers remarked on the beauty of the Asian shore of the Istanbul Strait, which in Ottoman times became one of the imperial parks known as Kandil Bahcesi (Lantern Garden). A favorite of Sultan Murad IV (1623–1640), Kucuksu was renamed Gümüs Selvi (Silver Cypress) by him, and the name Bagce-i Göksu is found in multiple sources beginning in the 7th century.
Here, on the waterfront, Divittar Mehmed Pasa constructed a two-story timber palace during the reign of Mahmud I (1730–754). This palace was later used by Selim III (1789–1807) and Mahmud II (1808–1839).
The current stone pavilion or royal lodge was built in the same style as Dolmabahce and Ihlamur during the reign of Mahmud’s son Abdülmecid (1839–1861) when western influence on Turkish architecture was at its height.
The architecture of the Kucuksu Pavilion
Nikogos Balyan was commissioned to design and build the Kucuksu Pavilion in 1857. The pavilion was built on a plot of land measuring 15 by 27 meters. It has a basement and two stories above ground; the basement houses a pantry, kitchen, and living quarters for servants. The layout of the first and second floors is similar to that of a traditional Turkish home, with four corner rooms that open onto a central gallery. The sultan would stay at the pavilion briefly whenever he went on a hunting trip or a country excursion. Kucuksu, unlike other imperial buildings, was not protected by high walls but rather by castiron railings and gates on all four sides. It was during the reign of Abdülmecid’s younger brother Abdülaziz (1861–1876) that the building’s facade was embellished further. The pavilion’s ancillary structures have long since been demolished.
Various western motifs adorn the elaborate seaward facade and double flight of steps that sweep exuberantly around the ornamental pool and fountain. The furnishings and decorations inside echo the European style established on the exterior by Sechan, the stage designer at the Vienna State Opera.
Carton-pierre molding and painted designs adorn the ceilings. Kucuksu is like a museum of 19th-century fireplace design due to the large number of fireplaces made of Italian marble of varying colors and styles. Each room’s elegant parquet floor features a unique pattern, and the furniture, carpets, and paintings are all in the European style. For a time following the founding of the Turkish Republic, Kucuksu Pavilion served as a state guest house; nowadays, it serves as a museum palace.
After undergoing extensive restoration in 1994, the pavilion is now the centerpiece of a park that will include a garden, parkland, a fountain, and a quay where visitors can go on picnics and boat rides just as they did centuries ago. Upon request, private events can be held in the Kucuksu Pavilion garden once construction is finished.
Q: What is Kucuksu Palace?
A: Kucuksu Palace is a historic palace located in Istanbul, Turkey.
Q: Where is Kucuksu Palace located?
A: Kucuksu Palace is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, near the Bosphorus Strait.
Q: What is the history of Kucuksu Palace?
A: Kucuksu Palace was built in the 19th century during the Ottoman era and was used as a summer palace by the Ottoman sultans.
Q: What is the architecture of Kucuksu Palace like?
A: Kucuksu Palace is an example of Ottoman architecture, with intricate details and a combination of traditional and European elements.
Q: What is the main attraction of Kucuksu Palace?
A: The main attraction of Kucuksu Palace is its beautiful and well-preserved architecture, as well as its rich history.
Q: How can one visit Kucuksu Palace?
A: One can visit Kucuksu Palace by taking a ferry from Istanbul to the Asian side and then a taxi or bus to the palace.
Q: What is the best time to visit Kucuksu Palace?
A: The best time to visit Kucuksu Palace is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the days are pleasant.
Q: Is Kucuksu Palace a safe place to visit?
A: Yes, Kucuksu Palace is generally considered a safe place to visit, but as with any large city, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety.
Q: Is there a place to stay near Kucuksu Palace?
A: There are not many places to stay near Kucuksu Palace, but there are several hotels and apartments located in nearby neighborhoods.
Q: Are there any nearby attractions to Kucuksu Palace?
A: Yes, there are several nearby attractions to Kucuksu Palace, including the Bosphorus Strait, the Princes’ Islands, and the beaches of the Marmara Sea.
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Map of Kucuksu Pavilion