Aynalıkavak Palace

Welcome to the Hasköy neighborhood, nestled along the northern shores of the Golden Horn. Far from the crushing tourist crowds of Sultanahmet, you have arrived at a truly hidden gem of Ottoman elegance: the Aynalıkavak Palace, or…

Begin your exploration outside in the tranquil gardens. The approach to the pavilion sets the mood perfectly. …

Step inside the pavilion. The transition from the bright garden to the interior is breathtaking. …

Move from the central hall into the private chambers, specifically those associated with Sultan Selim the Third. Selim is a pivotal figure in the history of this palace. …

Walk over to the expansive windows that line the southern facade of the pavilion. Architecture in the Ottoman world was designed to frame nature, and the windows of Aynalıkavak act as living, dynamic paintings. …

Before descending to the lower levels, take a moment to closely inspect the finer architectural details of the upper floor. Aynalıkavak is a text-heavy building, acting almost as a readable manuscript in stone and wood. …

Finally, make your way down the wooden staircase to the basement level of the pavilion. This space has been brilliantly repurposed to honor the legacy of Sultan Selim the Third. …

As you emerge from the basement and step back out into the bright, airy garden, taking a seat at the small, charming cafeteria by the pool, the full experience of Aynalıkavak Kasrı settles in. Sip a glass of traditional Turkish…