Rising in all its splendour on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait in the Ortaköy district, Feriye Palace offers visitors a breathtaking view when seen from the sea.
The elegant façade of the historic palace creates sparkling reflections on the waters of the Bosphorus when illuminated by sunlight during the day and by projectors at night. Together with the Ortaköy Mosque next to it and the Bosphorus Bridge in the background, Feriye Palace is part of one of Istanbul's postcard-perfect panoramas. Boats and yachts passing through the Bosphorus have the opportunity to see this magnificent structure and its unique silhouette from the most beautiful angle.
History
The construction of the Feriye Palace began in 1871 during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz. When the Dolmabahçe Palace (1856) and Çırağan Palace (1872) were no longer sufficient for the growing population of the Ottoman dynasty, Abdulaziz decided to build new palaces on the coastal strip between the Ortaköy Mosque and the Çırağan Palace. These structures, designed by architects from the Balyan family, were named Feriye Palaces; indeed, the word feriye in Ottoman Turkish means ‘secondary’ or ‘side,’ emphasising that these structures were secondary to the main palaces.
Sultan Abdülaziz, who was deposed in the coup of 30 May 1876, was brought to the Feriye Palace at his request after a brief stay at the Topkapı Palace, but was found dead there on 4 June 1876 with his wrists slit. Some members of the Ottoman dynasty continued to reside in these palaces until 1924, when the caliphate was abolished. The Feriye Palace buildings, which remained vacant for a time in the early years of the Republic, began to be allocated to educational institutions in 1927. In 1927, the Higher Naval School (later the Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Maritime Sciences) moved into part of the complex, while Kabataş Boys High School relocated to another section during the 1928-1929 academic year. In 1967, a building used for Galatasaray High School's female students was transferred to Galatasaray University in 1992. The neglected parts of the complex were restored in 1995 under the leadership of the Kabataş Education Foundation and opened as the elegant restaurant Feriye Restaurant. Today, part of the palace complex continues to be used for educational purposes by Kabataş Boys High School and Galatasaray University, while another part serves as a restaurant and cultural event venue for both Istanbul residents and tourists.
Explore by Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to discover the unique beauty of the Bosphorus is to consider renting a yacht. While touring the Bosphorus on a private yacht, you can explore the city's historical structures at your own pace and enjoy a unique experience away from the crowds. For example, you can admire the magnificent sea-facing façade of Feriye Palace up close from the deck of the yacht and capture this historic structure from the best angle. Sailing along the Bosphorus with its cool breeze, admiring the palace that reflects Ottoman splendour and the surrounding scenery will be an unforgettable experience for visitors.
On a Bosphorus tour by yacht, you will fully experience the charm of approaching the Feriye Palace from the sea. As you glide towards the point where the historic palace meets the water, you can watch the palace's magnificent silhouette reflected in the waters of the Bosphorus. Especially at sunset, the view that emerges as you pass by the Feriye Palace on a yacht is like a painting. The dome and minarets of the Ortaköy Mosque rising right next to the palace and the majestic tower of the Bosphorus Bridge in the background accompany this journey, offering you some of Istanbul's most iconic views all at once.
If you want to experience the enchanting atmosphere of the Bosphorus at your own pace, rent a yacht and set your own course. Whether in daylight or under the night lights, enjoy the view of the impressive silhouette of the Feriye Palace from the sea. During your yacht tour, you can stop at any point you wish and spend as much time as you like at this historic palace, taking photos and enjoying the view. With a yacht tour tailored to your own schedule, you will experience the privilege of discovering the jewel of the Bosphorus, Feriye Palace, from the sea.