Çırağan Palace

Çırağan Palace is a former Ottoman imperial palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. It was constructed for Sultan Abdülaziz in the mid 19th century (1863-1867) and is noted for its long waterfront façade.

The restored palace now contains a luxury hotel and event spaces, with restored ceremonial halls and a prominent seaside terrace that looks across the strait to the Asian shore. The site is commonly used for weddings, conferences and high-end hospitality and offers close-up views of Bosphorus vessel traffic.

The palace was built during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz in the 1860s and later fell into disuse after a major fire in the early 20th century; it was restored and converted to hotel use in the late 20th century. The conversion preserved the main ceremonial wing and façade while adapting interior spaces for modern hospitality.

The building stands between the Beşiktaş and Ortaköy neighbourhoods on Istanbul’s European Bosphorus shore, a short distance by road from the Dolmabahçe area and central Beşiktaş transport links.

• Bosphorus terrace: Sits directly on the Bosphorus with a long seaside terrace that faces the Asian shore, making the waterfront façade the best viewing point.
• Hotel and events: Operates as a luxury hotel and events venue under the name Çırağan Palace Kempinski after late 20th century restoration.