1. DAY

Hello to Istanbul

2. DAY

Basilica Cistern : (532 B.C.)

It is a large underground water resevior that was built around 532 by Emperor Constantine, to supply Byzanz with fresh water. The huge hall is 140m long and 70m wide, with 336 pillars with Corinthian capitals supporting the 8m high ceiling. The cistern contains up to 80,000m³ of water. The water originated from the Belgrade forest, the highland west of Marmara, and was transported via the Aqueduct of Valens. The head of MEDUSA, which is upside down, supports one of the pillars. It has been opened to the public in 1987. The water is kept clean and aerated thanks to a supply of overgrown goldfish that are replaced every couple of years.

Soğukçeşme Street:

A pictureesque lane of old Istanbul houses squeezed between the city's greatest imperial monuments - the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapı Palace - was taken over in its entirety by the Touring Club of turkey and revived as a hotel complex in the 1980s. It was a pioneering project that set the trend of historical revivals that has spread across Turkey since then. Each of the gaily painted clapboard houses contains five to ten hotel rooms furnished in the gilded quasi-Victorian style favored by the Ottoman elite of the last century. A four-storey mansion set in a spacious garden of its own forms separate unit called Konukevi. An underground cistern of early Byzantine origin serves as one of three restaurants. Also within the complex is an important research library devoted to books and manuscripts on the history of Istanbul. The street is paved in cobblestone and closed to motor traffic. Recent signatures in the guestbook include such celebrities as the film directors Bernardo Bertolucci and Roman Polanski.

Hagia Sophia : (532-537)

Was built in a very short time like 5 years and because of the daring design and maybe the speed of contraction the structure was unstable and the first dome fell with an earthquake and had to be replaced afterwards with massive repairs. In the 1000 years that Hagia Sophia was the see of the Patriarch it was also seen as the mother church of the Christian East. This beautiful mosque, that has served as a church for 1000 years and was converted in 1453 into a mosque, is very famous with its tremendous domed space (110 feet diameter) that rises 210 feet above the floor and with the plaques of red, yellow, green marble with mosaics. In 1935 it was converted into a museum by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Open: 09.00-16.30 (except Monday)

Fountain of Ahmet III:

Built in 1728, the most beautiful of Istanbul’s countless fountains. It is in the delicate Turkish rococo style with 5 small domes, mihrab-shaped niches and dizzying floral relieves. Each of the four walls is equipped with a tap above a carved marble basin.

Blue Mosque:

The Blue Mosque was founded by Sultan Ahmet I. He ordered Architect Mehmed Aga to begin constuction in 1609 and the whole complex was completed in 1616. The location of the mosque is just opposite of the splendid Church of Hagia Sophia as it is trying to compete with it. That is actually true because Architect Mehmed wanted to construct a bigger dome then Hagia Sophia's but he could not succeed. Instead, he made the mosque splendid by the perfect proportion of domes and semidomes as well as the splendid minarets. There is an interesting story of the mosque; according to it, Sultan Ahmet I wanted to have a minaret made of gold which is "altin" in Turkish. The architect misunderstood him as "alti" which means "six" in English. However, when the architect was shivering as "am I going to be beheaded?", the Sultan Ahmed I liked the minarets so much. Prior to that time, no sultan had a mosque with 6 minarets.

Hippodrome:

The Hippodrome is the most celebrated square of Byzantine times. Horse races, chariot rallies, sorting events, wrestling matches and all sorts of competitive athletics took place here. Its design was inspired by that of the Circus Maximus in Rome built by the Emperor Septimus Severus in 203.Constantine the Great enlarged the Hippodrome and determined its final dimensions. Excavations conducted on the site reveal that the Hippodrome was 117 meters wide and approximately 500 meters long. It was surrounded by high walls pierced by a number of entrance gates. It is thought that the stadium held up to 100.000 people. With the collapse of the Latin's, the power of Byzantium and the wealth and magnificence of its Hippodrome came to an end. The statues ornamenting the square were melted down and converted into bullion. The site is now an elongated public garden, At Meydanı (the square of horses). There are still enough remains of the hippodrome to get a sense of it's scale and importance. The Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine column and the column of Constantine can also be seen here.

Binbirdirek Sarnıcı-Cistern of 1001 Columns:

Located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul and built in the time of the Byzantine Empire in 1672 known as the oldest cistern in the city, the 5,000 square metre cistern used to serve as a source for water for the Lavsus Palace. After seven years of restoration, the Binbirdirek Sarnıcı was opened to the public in August 2002. It is not known where the 1001 columns, which are stated in its Turkish name, came from because there are 16 rows of columns and there are 14 columns in each row, so in total there are 224 columns. Two columns have been put together by using a wheel to reach a height of 15 meters.

3. DAY

Rüstem Pasha Mosque

It is constructed to Mimar Sinan on 1561 by one of the viziers of Kanuni, Rüstem Paşa. As the place at Eminönü is both hollow and a commercial center, Sinan, had opened inns and shops under mosque. The rents of the the spice bazaar that is located right to the mosk went to the upkeep of the mosque. Most of the interior is covered with İznik tiles of the very higest quality. It is also notable for it’s numerous windows: it was built with as many as the structure would allow.

Yeni Mosque : (1597-1663)

The construction was lead by 3 different architects Mimar Davut Ağa,Dalgıç Mehmet ağa and Mustafa Ağa. It was commisioned by Sultan Mehmet IV, in memory of his mother Safiye Sultan. An elegant fountain for ritual ablutions stands in the large courtyard and the sultan's section is decorated with marvellous Iznik tiles. Today its domes and arches shelter hundreds of pigeons who make this area their home.

Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market):

Found near the Galata Bridge, which passes over the waters of the Golden Horn, and practically in the shadow of the New Mosque (Yeni camii) is the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar (Misir Carşısı). Much smaller than the Grand Bazaar, the L-shaped Spice Bazaar was built in 1660 by the architect Kasim Aga for the mother of Sultan Murat IV, Hatice Turhan Sultan,to help support the upkeep of the mosque. The structure of the building is dressed stone with alternating brick courses, fine examples of Ottoman Architecture. The structure was restored in 1943 and has eighty eight vaulted shops.

The Suleymaniye Mosque : (1551-1558)

Designed by the Ottoman Empires greatest architect Sinan, for Süleyman the magnificent in bearing masonry construction system and in Ottoman Islamic style, it dominates İstanbul’s Golden Horn. It is Istanbul’s largest and grandest mosque. An architectural example of this beautiful mosque: tunnels dug in the ground and faced with solid masonry, lead from the interior of the mosque to external tanks that are used for the distribution of water to all the dependencies of the Süleymaniye. The famous architect of this mosque, Master Sinan, combined this supply so as to take advantage of it in order to maintain inside the nave a mild and uniform temperature. By means of wooden trap doors that are located all over the central part of the floor of the nave, the air contained in these underground tunnels is fed into the mosque, where, as a result, the temperature is always warm in winter and cool in summer. Open every day for free.

Beyazıt Watchtower : (1828)

Within the grounds of the central building of Istanbul’s University (formerly the palace of Mehmet the Conqueror) this wooden tower was built for fire watchers, and remains a landmark throughout the city. Mahmud II demolished it in order to construct a better one, and according to the inscription, he ordered a rock-filled tower in 1828 to be built by the Ministry of Defense to safeguard the city from fires. The monument is 50m high, and from the upper landing, accessible via wooden staircase, offers a superb overview of the city.

Prince's Mosque:

This mosque complex was erected by Süleyman the Magnificent in memory of his eldest son who died of smallpox at the age of 21. This mosque was Sinan’s first major imperial commission and was completed in 1548. Located to the rear of the mosque are three tombs, the finest in the city, belonging to Şehzade Mehmet, grand vizier İbrahim Paşa and Rüstem Paşa. Each has beatiful İznik tiles and lustrous original staines glass.

Valens Aqueduct:

Valens Aqueduct or "Arcade of the Gray Falcon" was started by Constantine and completed in the 4th century by Valens. Justinian II had the second tier added; even Mehmet the Conqueror and Sinan had a hand in its restoration and enlargement. Although it was 1000 meters long only 920 meters of it remains today and it appears much lower than in the Byzantine time, since the surrounding ground level has risen 6 meters. It connects the two hills of the city, Beyazıt Kulesi (Beyazıt Tower) and Fatih Camii (Fatih Mosque), and is 60 meters high and has 2 story arches. Today, the preponderance of the once sprawling aqueduct has largely been destroyed, with the notable exception of the remains found on the Sarachane Ataturk Boulevard. In 1988, the Municipality of Istanbul decided to restore this piece of history, which also bears witness to Ottoman design. Being the oldest aqueduct in Istanbul, Valens has served the city for more than 15 centuries as its most important water source.

Fatih Mosque : (1463-1470)

The Fatih Mosque is the sanctuary of the imperial complex built by Mehmed II to commemorate his conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The architect of the mosque, as of the complex, is Atik Sinan (Old Sinan). Built between 1463 and 1470, the complex was restored by Bayezid I following an earthquake in 1509. The dome of the mosque collapsed in the 1766 earthquake and was reconstructed entirely in 1771. The medreses (schools) founded by the sultan are the only surviving sections of a complex that included a caravansary, a hospital, several hamams, the kitchens, and a market, which combined to form a university that instructed up to 1,000 students at any given time. Wanting a monument more spectacular than that of Ayasofya, the sultan cut off the hands of the architect, Atik Sinan (not Süleyman's Sinan), when the Fatih Mosque failed to surpass the height of the church, despite its position atop the fourth of the seven hills of Istanbul. The tombs of Mehmet II and his wife are located in front of the mihrab wall.

4.DAY

Sirkeci Station

Sirkeci Station was built in 1890 as the terminus for the Orient Express' 3,000-kilometer journey from Paris. Orient Express ended its run from Paris, at the 19th-century Orientalist station near Seraglio Point beneath the walls of Topkapi Palace, right next to Eminönü its ferry docks, and Galata Bridge. When the express arrived in the metropolitan city carrying aristocratic passengers from London and Paris, a red carpet would be rolled out and the Ottoman Turk's marching band would play, welcoming them to the edge of the European continent. The Orient Express ended regular services in 1977, but the legendary train continues to make special runs from Paris a few times each year, full of all the necessary pomp. The station's regal front entrance is no longer used--a separate entrance has been set up and the former entrance is now used as an event hall. Sirkeci Station is to become the terminal on the European side of the tunnel, where a new underground station will be constructed.

Topkapı Palace : (1453-1850)

The last palace of Ottoman sultans, its most extensive and fascinating monument of Ottoman civil architecture in existence, covering an area of 700.000 m2. In addition to its architectural and historical interest, it contains as a museum, superb and unrivaled collections porcelains, armor, fabrics, jewels, illuminated manuscripts, calligraphy and many objects of art formerly belonging to the sultans.A cursory visit requires several hours, to know it thoroughly many weeks would hardly suffice. The Topkapi Palace was not only a private residence of the sultan and his court. It also was the seat of supreme council of the Empire, the Divan, and it housed the largest most select of the training schools for the imperial civil service, the Palace School. It turned over it’s functions to the Dolmabahçe Palace in 1853. The various divisions of the Palace correspond with these various functions.The total number of people permanently resident in the Saray was between four to five thousand. It was converted to a museum in 1924 upon the order of Atatürk. Closed Tuesdays.

Çinili Köşk : (15th century)

It is in the Topkapı Palace, decorated with glazed faience, built in the period of Fatih Sultan Mehmet (the conqueror) shortly after he took the city in 1453 to serve as a summer palace. It was used as the Empire Museum between 1875-1891 and was opened to the public in 1953, the 500th year of the conquest of Istanbul, as Fatih Museum where Turkish and Islamic works of art were displayed. It was handed over to the Istanbul Archeology Museum due to its location. This beautiful kiosk contains beautiful Iznik tile works of the 16th century and admirable examples of Seljuk and Ottoman pottery and tiles. Open: 09.30-16.30 (except Mondays)

Haghia Irene : (4th century)

One of the oldest churches in Byzantium, Constantine the Great rebuilt it on a larger scale, dedicating it to Christ Our Peace. It is a domed basilica type with the cross plan. Until the construction of Haghia Sophia it was the Patriarchal Cathedral. Gutted by flames during the Nika Revolt, Justinian built it again together with Haghia Sophia. Located in the first courtyard of Topkapı Saray, it is now used as a concert hall. It opens depending on the performances taking place

Grand Bazaar:

This bazaar was first built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet (the Conqueror) in 1461 and was expanded during the reign of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman( the Magnificent) and reached its present form in 1701. Its extends over 65 streets, covering an area of 30.702 m2. It contains a mosque, 21 inns, two vaulted bazaars, seven fountains, a well and 3300 shops. It possesses 18 gates, eight of them large, ten of then smaller. It has survived five fires, and has been restored and repaired and has reached our present times. Open: 09.00-19.00 (closed on Sundays)

Cağaloğlu Baths:

It’s the largest built bath of Istanbul, built near the underground Cistern in 1741. The architect is unknown. Cagaloglu hamam is a double hamam with sections for both men and women. It was unique in its use of Baroque and Classic Ottoman architectural motifs and was the last of the great hamams to be built before Sultan Mustafa III forbade their construction due to the increasing needs for water and wood in Istanbul. In this excellent three hundred year old Turkish bathing temple 138 TV films have been shot. Open: 07.00-20.30

5. DAY

Galata Tower : (1348)

Galata Tower, which was built by the Genoese during the time of the Byzantines for defense purposes, after a time became integrated to the communication system of Byzantines. After the conquer of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, he made sure that no harm came to the Galata Tower as well as churches, synagogues and other religious buildings. The Ottomans, who were the new owners of the city, did not regard the Galata Tower as odd, and after a fire, they restored the tower, incorporating their own architectural style. Due to its altitude, it is possible to view almost half of old Istanbul from the Galata Tower, and it also provides us with the chance to see the Asian side of Istanbul. Open everyday 9.00-18.00

Pera Palas Hotel

The Pera Palas made a great change in the landscape of Istanbul. Designed by the French architect Alexander Vallaury, also the architect of Union Française and the Ottoman Bank was begun in May 1881; the hotel was opened October 1891. It is said that Sultan Abdülhamit attended the opening ceremony. The " Compagnie Internationale dés Wagons et des Grands Express Européens " had built the hotel for the use of passengers coming from Paris to Istanbul. This is why the symbols of the Pera Palas and the orient express are the same. Pera palas had been frequented by well-known and highly-placed figures in the political world; such as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ismet Inönü, Celal Bayar, Adnan Menderes, Fahri Korutürk, Refik Koraltan, King Zogo of Albania, Shah Rıza Pehlevi of Iran, King Edward V111 of England , King Ferdinand of Bulgaria, King Carol of Romania, president Tito of Yugoslavia and Jacqueline Kennedy. The long list of political guests includes Giscard d’Estaing, Von Papen, Mata Hari Cicero The list also includes innumerable names from the world of culture and art such as Agatha Christie, Yehudi Menuhin, Marie Bell . The founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK stayed at the Pera Palas Hotel on a number of occasions between the years 1915-37. Today, the room he stayed in, Rm. 101 is preserved as a museum.

French Street / Fransız sokağı:

The street behind Galatasaray High School known as Cezayir (Algeria) Street was completely renovated from head to toe by a group lead by Mehmet Taşdiken within the scope of a two-year project. The buildings and sidewalks were improved and a special music system was established. Taşdiken had close contacts with the Municipality of Paris, so the stones of the street were arranged by Parisian architects, and 100-year-old coal-gas street lamps from the Municipality of Paris were installed. Fransız Sokağı has a covered area of 9,000 square meters and a capacity of 3000 people together with the open-air areas. The number of daily visitors is around 6.500. The heaters on the streets allow the open areas to be used even on cold days.

Çukurcuma Square:

Çukurcuma Square is a favorite destination for antique lovers, in Istanbul. There are loads of shops in the nooks and crannies of the narrow streets feeding into the square. You can find old and new furniture, accessories, paintings, carpets, and all kinds of fascinating little artifacts. Sophisticated shops lie side by side with the delightful chaos of flea markets. As you wander in an out of the shops take time to look up at the beautiful architecture of the old-fashioned İstanbul houses in the neighborhood.

San Antonio di Padova church

Located in Pera the İtalian Gothic style church is İstanbul’s most famous Catholic Church and was built by the local Levantino İtalians of Istanbul. Pope Giovanni XXIII preached in this church for 10 years when he used to be Vatican’s Ambassador for Turkey before being elected as Pope.

6. DAY

Yıldız Palace

Yıldız Palace and park covered an area of 500.000 square meters on the hillside overlooking the Bosphorus between Beşiktaş, Ortaköy and Balmumcu. This area of natural woodland became known as Kazancıoğlu Park after the Turkish conquest, and probably became an imperial estate during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I (1603-1617). The Ceremonial Hall, with its single piece Hereke carpet, custom made to fit the room and measuring 406 square metres, its gilded coffered ceiling and large pier mirrors are very impressive. Open: 10.00-16.00 (except Monday and Thursday)

Dolmabahçe Palace

The Dolmabahçe Palace is located along the European shore of the Bosphorus between the ports of Kabatas and Besiktas. It is occupying an area close to 250,000 square meters. The palace has an area of 45,000 m² (11.2 acres), and contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths (hamam) and 68 toilets. The palace served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1923. The architecture of the palace is in neo-baroque style, although the plan reflects the elements of traditional Turkish residences at a large scale. The interior design was commissioned to Séchan, the interior designer of the Paris Opera. The decorations and furnishings were mostly imported from Europe under the direction of ambassador to France, Ahmed Fethi Pasa. They include vases from Sèvres, silk from Lyon, crystals from Bacarat, and candleholders from Britain, glass from Venice and chandeliers from Germany. The Dolmabahçe Palace Complex is administered by the National Palaces Trust under the auspices of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). As Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, died here on November 10, 1938, this palace holds special significance for Turks. Open: Every day except Monday and Thursday

Esma Sultan Palace

Esma Sultan, the beloved daughter of Sultan Abdülmecid 1st, was born in 1778. She was reputed to be one of the most intellectual women of her time. At the age of 10, she received this palace as a gift. Located on the European shore of the Bosphorus, it was the most prestigious of her many mansions in Istanbul. After the Ottoman times, the palace had many different functions, including those of tobacco & liquor warehouse and carpenter shop. In 1975 it was destroyed by a fire, which only left the outside walls of the palace intact. A multipurpose event space in the Ortaköy district of Istanbul, built inside the ruins of a brick palace that dates back to the early 1800s. The incorporated structure is built out of steel and glass within the original brick exterior. The glass box is tethered to the walls with suspension rods, which ensure that the structures remain equidistant from each other and are able to withstand bad weather and earthquakes. The building is set on several levels and includes a bar, a restaurant, and an event hall.

Ortaköy Mosque:

Ortaköy Mosque is situated at waterside of the Ortaköy Pier square, one of the most beautiful locations on the Bosphorus. Built by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1854, its architect was Nikogos Balyan who designed it in neo- Baroque style. The wide, high windows let the ever-changing light reflections of the Bosphorus shine in the mosque. The quay in front of the mosque was for the Sultan to approach by his Sultanate boat and enabled him to go directly to the pew. Some plates and on the walls and the Kelime-i şahadet (testifying one’s belief in Islam) on the pulpit are the art works of Sultan Abdülmecid.

7. DAY

Bosphorus Bridge:

The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea (Pontus Euxinus) to the Marmara Sea (Propontis). It is about 31 km / 20 mi long and varies between 1 and 2.5 km / 0.5 and 1.5 mi wide. The narrowest point is 700 m / 2,300 ft between the fortresses of Rumeli and Anadolu. Swift currents make navigation difficult. The average depth is 50 m / 164 ft. In the Bosphorus there are two currents; one on the surface from the Black Sea towards the Marmara Sea and one below the surface in the opposite direction. The Black Sea is 24 cm / 9.5 in higher than the Marmara and this causes the current on the surface. The other current is because of the changes of salt rates in the two seas. Along both shores are many attractions including ancient ruins, picturesque villages and forested areas. Near the southern end is the Golden Horn, the harbor of Istanbul, one of the most commodious natural harbors in the world. In ancient and medieval times almost all commerce between the Mediterranean and Black seas was routed through the strait. It is still an important artery of international trade. An average number of 38,000 ships pass through the Bosphorus annually. The name Bosphorus means "ford of the calf" in ancient Greek and is derived from the myth of the maiden Io. Io In mythology, Io is seduced by Zeus and changed into a milk-white heifer to protect her from the jealousy of Hera. When Hera asked Zeus for the heifer, Zeus complied and Hera employed the hundred-eyed Argus to guard Io. After Argus was slain by Hermes at the behest of Zeus, Hera tormented Io with a gadfly, driving her from land to land crossing the strait between Asia and Europe and giving its name, Bosphorus.

Beylerbeyi Palace (1861-1865):

Build by the period of Sultan Abdülaziz by architects Agop and Sarkis Balyan in 1861-1865. Designed by the well known Ottoman architect Sarkis Balyan, the palace was generally reserved for summer use by the sultans or to accommodate foreign heads of state visiting the Ottoman capital. One of the features which distinguishes Beylerbeyi from other Ottoman palaces of the period are the terraced gardens on the sloping hillside behind the palace. Open 9.30-16.00 (except Monday and Thursday)

Küçüksu Palace

Kucuksu Summer Palace was constructed under the supervision of Grand Vizier Divitdar Emin Mehmet Pasa for Sultan Mahmut I. The Palace, made entirely out of timber, was renovated by Mustafa III, Selim III and Mahmut II. This wooden palace was torn down by Abdulmecid to be replaced by a stone version in 1856. The Palace was designed by Nigagos Balyan in European architectural style. Extensive restoration of the palace took place in the era of Abdulaziz. After the establihment of the Turkish Republic, president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk occasionally visited the palace. In 1983, the palace was opened to the public as a museum. Open 9.30-16.00 (except Tuesday and Thursday)

Kheidive’s Palace :(1907)

Located on a hill over Kanlica village on Bosphorus, this beautiful Art Nouevo style summer palace was built by architect Delfo Seminati in 1907 for Egyptian Khedive Abbas Hilmi Pasa who spent most of his time in Istanbul. The building- of completely western style, occupies an area of 1000 square meters. Hilmi Pasa sold the mansion to Istanbul Municipality for a very small fee in 1930s. Stayed used and deserted nearly 50 years, Hidiv Palace was restored to is former glory by Turkish Touring and Automobile Club under the guidance of its director Celik Gulersoy. The palace reopened its gates as a hotel restaurant complex and became one of the popular spots for the people of Istanbul like the other historical spots restored by Touring and Automobile Club.

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge:

The Fatih Sultan Bridge, also known as the Second Bosporus Bridge (in Turkish: Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü or 2. Boğaziçi Köprüsü), is a bridge in Istanbul, Turkey spanning the Bosporus strait (Turkish: Boğaziçi). The bridge is situated between Hisarüstü (European side) and Kavacık (Asian side). It is a gravity-anchored suspension bridge with steel pylons and inclined hangers. The aerodynamic deck is hanging on double vertical steel cables. It is 1,510 m long with a deck width of 39 m. The distance between the towers (main span) is 1,090 m (World rank 2004: 11th) and their height over road level is 105 m. The clearance of the bridge from the sea level is 64 m, to allow passage to the aircraft carrier Enterprise and the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth II, the tallest ships afloat. An international consortium of three Japanese companies, one Italian and one Turkish company carried out the construction. Design work was by Freeman Fox & Partners. It was completed on July 3, 1988 and opened by Prime Minister Turgut Özal who drove his official car by himself as the first to pass. The cost of the bridge amounted to USD 130 million

Maslak Royal Lodges

Exactly when the royal lodges were constructed and by whom is unknown, but most can be roughly dated to the reign of Abdülaziz (1861-1876). Set in a wooded park with an area of 170.000 square meters, the Maslak Royal Lodges consist of the main Kasr-ı Hümâyün, the Mabeyn-i Hümâyûn with its adjoining Conservatory, the Çadır Köşk and Paşalar Dairesi. Today this building has been restored to its original state according to the evidence of contemporary documents, memoirs and photographs, and is now open to the public. The Mabeyn-i Hümâyûn, Conservatory and the small pavilion known as the Çadır Köşk have been similarly renovated and are now used as cafıs. The extensive gardens have been landscaped and are now named the National Sovereignty Park. Open : Everyday except Monday and Thursday