While passing through the Bosphorus, the main building of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, which stretches parallel to the shore in the Fındıklı neighborhood, stands out immediately with its historical texture.
The Twin Palaces (Kiosk Palaces), built for the daughters of Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid in the 19th century, are a group of elegant structures currently used as a university campus. With its neoclassical facade decorations and magnificent stance, this building creates a unique silhouette along the Bosphorus, leaving visitors with a captivating first impression, especially when viewed from the sea. The exterior facade of the palace, illuminated at night with golden lights, combines the historical grandeur of Istanbul with the modern cityscape through its reflections on the water.
History
The history of the main building of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Fındıklı dates back to the Ottoman dynasty. Sultan Abdülmecid built the Fındıklı Double Palaces between 1856-1859 for his daughters Cemile Sultan and Münire Sultan; the architect of the structure was the famous palace architect of the time, Garabet Amira Balyan. The palace, which was residence of Cemile Sultan and her family, was later used by Nazime Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Abdülaziz. After the burning of Çırağan Palace in 1910, the Ottoman Parliament, in search of a new venue for the Meclis-i Mebusan, bought Cemile Sultan Palace from the heirs of Nazime Sultan and transformed it into a parliament building in 1913. Between 1913-1920, the Ottoman Assembly convened in this building and it hosted the last parliamentary sessions of the empire. The structure that maintained its importance in the early years of the Republic witnessed the trials of the Independence Courts in 1923, where some famous journalists were judged. In this way, the palace became a witness to critical historical events that span from the late Ottoman period to the early period of the Republic of Turkey.
In 1926, the palace was dedicated to the Academy of Fine Arts (today's Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University), opening a new chapter in education. Shortly after the academy began to provide education here, a major fire broke out in the building on April 1, 1948, causing severe damage to the historic palace. With the restoration project prepared under the leadership of the famous architect Sedat Hakkı Eldem, the palace was rebuilt in its original form and reopened for the academy's use in 1953. Over time, the campus area expanded, and the adjacent palace belonging to Sultan Abdulmecid's other daughter, Münire Sultan, was transferred to the university in 1969. After the restoration of Münire Sultan Palace with Eldem's project, it was brought into educational life on November 21, 1975. Thus, the two historic palaces merged to form the university's main campus. Today, these magnificent structures continue to serve as the administrative units and faculties of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, sustaining both educational and cultural heritage functions together. While visitors admire the beauty of this historical building from the outside, they can witness the living history of Istanbul knowing that the artists and architects of the future are being trained inside.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most special ways to enjoy the Bosphorus for both domestic and foreign tourists is the option of yacht rental. During your tour on a rented yacht along Istanbul's enchanting coastline, you will have the opportunity to take a close look at this historic university building in Fındıklı. When you glide through the sea with a
rental yacht and come in front of the Dual Palaces, you can comfortably observe the details and splendor of the palace away from the crowd. While watching the reflection of the historic structure on the water, you will experience a unique atmosphere accompanied by the gentle breeze of the Bosphorus and the sound of waves.
A trip along the Bosphorus by renting a yacht offers you the freedom to chart your own course. While sailing with your private yacht along the coastline from Kabataş to Karaköy, you can photograph the stunning facade of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University from different angles. Moreover, with your yacht, you have the opportunity to take short breaks at any point and see other historical sites of Istanbul from a panoramic view. During this time, thanks to professional captains, you enjoy a safe and pleasant journey while experiencing the privilege of discovering the city's rich history from the sea.
Our last recommendation for those who want to explore Istanbul from the sea: rent a yacht to create your own itinerary and build unforgettable memories! With a private yacht tour, you can experience a journey that is entirely yours and your group's, without being tied to crowded tour boats. As you sail through the cool waters of the Bosphorus, you'll have the opportunity to see and photograph many unique views, including the Çifte Saraylar in Findiklı, up close. You can time your trip according to your own schedule, watching the silhouette of the palace at sunset or enjoying the atmosphere along the Bosphorus under the night lights. Experiencing this historical beauty of Istanbul in the comfort of a yacht will allow you to view the city's past and present from a different perspective, making it an unforgettable addition to your travel list.