Küçüksu Palace

Welcome to the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, specifically to the exquisite Kucuksu Kasri, or Kucuksu Palace. As we stand before this highly ornate building, you might be surprised to learn that it is technically not a 'palace' in…

We begin our tour at the rear of the palace, which faces away from the Bosphorus and toward the lush hills of the Asian side. In the nineteenth century, these hills were covered in dense forests, making this a prime location for…

Stepping inside Kucuksu Kasri is like entering a treasure box. The most fascinating scholarly detail about this building is that it contains no bedrooms. …

The history of Kucuksu Kasri is inextricably linked to the Balyan family, specifically Nigogos Balyan. He was a member of the third generation of the most famous Armenian architects in the Ottoman Empire. …

To understand how the palace functioned, we must descend mentally to the basement level. This was the engine room of Kucuksu Kasri. …

The true glory of Kucuksu Kasri is best appreciated from its Bosphorus frontage. The palace sits behind a low, ornate iron fence on a beautiful marble quay. …

Just outside the palace grounds, there is a traditional Ottoman structure that deserves our attention: the Sabil, or public water fountain. In Islamic culture, providing water to the thirsty is considered one of the highest forms…

As we conclude our visit to Kucuksu Kasri, take one last look at its ornate facade, glowing in the soft light of the Asian shore. We have explored a 'palace' that was never meant for sleeping, but for the refined pursuit of…