Çırağan Palace

Located on the European side between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy, this historic palace combines the elegance of the Ottoman period with the deep blue waters of the Bosphorus. Especially when viewed from the sea, the palace's marble facades and elegant details sparkle in the sunlight, justifying its nickname, ‘the pearl of the Bosphorus.’ With its historical texture and unique location, Çırağan Palace is one of Istanbul's iconic buildings that leaves visitors in awe. When viewed from the opposite shore of the Bosphorus or from a boat, you will witness the harmony between the splendour of the past and natural beauty.

History of the Çırağan Palace

The area where Çırağan Palace is located gained fame in the 18th century due to the renowned Çırağan Festivals. It derives its name from the Persian word ‘Çırağan,’ meaning ‘lights,’ as the area began to be known by this name due to the illuminated garden festivities held here during the Tulip Era. Construction of the palace began in 1863 and was completed in 1871. Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz entrusted the construction of the new palace to the famous Balyan family (Nigoğos and Sarkis Balyan brothers), who also built the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi palaces. Built at great expense, the new Çırağan Palace was one of the most magnificent structures of its time. Sultan Abdülaziz's nephew, Murad V, was placed under house arrest in the Çırağan Palace after being deposed in 1876 and remained there until his death, earning the palace the title of ‘a magnificent prison without equal in the world.’ On 20 May 1878, a group led by journalist Ali Suavi raided the palace (known in history as the Çırağan Palace Raid) in an attempt to kidnap Murad V and restore him to the throne, but the coup attempt failed.

In 1909, with the proclamation of the Second Constitutional Monarchy, the Ottoman Parliament (Meclis-i Mebusan) was moved from Dolmabahçe to this palace, which was briefly used as a parliamentary building. However, on 19 January 1910, while parliamentary sessions were ongoing, a fire broke out in the upper floors of the palace, and within just five hours, the entire structure was engulfed in flames and reduced to ruins. In this devastating disaster, the palace's priceless antiques, paintings, Sultan Abdulhamid's private art collection, and even Sultan Murad V's library of thousands of volumes were reduced to ashes. Only the outer stone walls remained after the fire, and Çırağan Palace remained an abandoned ruin for many years. In the following years, the palace garden was converted into the Şeref Stadium, which hosted football matches for a time, and the building was used for various purposes. By the 1980s, a comprehensive restoration project was launched to restore the palace to its former glory. Restoration work began in 1987 through a joint venture between Japanese and Turkish companies, and the palace was renovated with a modern annex hotel building, reopening its doors in 1990. Thus, this historic structure, once the residence of sultans, gained a new identity as the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, a luxury hotel on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Today, Çırağan Palace is both a historical building and a world-renowned accommodation and event centre that reflects the atmosphere of the past.

Discover the Çırağan Palace by Yacht

Yacht rental on the Bosphorus is one of the most enjoyable ways to freely explore the historical and natural beauties of Istanbul. When you set sail on the cool waters of the Bosphorus on your own private yacht, you will enjoy a unique travel experience away from the crowds. As you set your own course and gaze at the coastline of Europe and Anatolia, you will see beautiful mansions and palaces passing by one after another. Among these structures, the Çırağan Palace stands out with its magnificent appearance. Seeing the historic palace's Bosphorus-facing façade from the sea gives you the feeling of travelling back in time. Moreover, you can enjoy the view of this iconic Istanbul structure from the comfort of a yacht for as long as you wish.

Chartering a private yacht and gliding along the Bosphorus while admiring the Çırağan Palace from the sea is a truly exclusive Istanbul experience. The palace's magnificent façade, which is difficult to see from land due to its high garden walls, is fully visible from the sea without any obstructions. You can admire the reflections of its white marble facades on the water, as well as its ornate balconies and windows up close. As you gaze from the deck of your yacht, you will feel the magical atmosphere created by the waves gently lapping against the palace's pier. The Çırağan Palace, which sparkles in the sunlight during the day and glides through the darkness of the Bosphorus like a pearl at night, offers an unforgettable view that will remain etched in your memory. You will want to capture this moment with your camera or camera phone, as the view from the middle of the sea, where history and scenery embrace, offers postcard-worthy images.

To experience all these privileges, rent a yacht and set out to explore the Bosphorus at your own pace. Thanks to your personal yacht tour, you can greet many historical buildings from the sea, including the Çırağan Palace, Dolmabahçe, and Beylerbeyi. As you glide through the azure waters of the Bosphorus, you will have the opportunity to see the modern silhouette of Istanbul and the splendour of the Ottoman Empire from the same window. With the comfort provided by the yacht, you can stop at any point you desire and enjoy the view, immersing yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Bosphorus and Çırağan Palace with your loved ones. Become the captain of your own route and discover this unique side of Istanbul by yacht—an experience that will leave a lasting impression and etch the city's memories into your mind. The indescribable sense of awe you feel as you pass by the historic palace along the Beşiktaş coastline is sure to be one of the most unforgettable moments of your Istanbul journey.