HIDIV KASRI – KHEDIVE PAVILION IN ISTANBUL
Established by Italian architect Delfo Seminati in 1907, the Hidiv (Khedive) Kasri was located on the hill of Cubuklu Coppice Forest in Istanbul. It covers an area of 1000 square meters and is built in the Art Nouveau style. After Egypt’s independence from the Ottoman Empire, the last Ottoman governor of Egypt, Abbas Hilmi Pasha, was dismissed from his role as Khedive by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet Resat V. Consequently, Abbas Hilmi Pasha and his family moved to the Hidiv Kasri in Istanbul.
ARCHITECTURE OF KHEDIVE PAVILION
In the centre of the main entrance hall of the Khedive Pavilion, there is a beautiful marble fountain. The hall features a circular pool surrounded by a colonnade in the middle of the entrance hall, and its ceiling is adorned with stunning stained glass. On the entrance floor, there are bathrooms, toilets, and two large bedrooms. The hall also features an impressive grille and circular chain design that captures the attention of visitors. From the pavilion’s watchtower, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. The tower is the most popular part of the mansion due to its panoramic view of the Bosphorus. To get to the terrace, you can either take the stairs or an elevator.
In the 1930s, Abbas Hilmi Pasha abandoned Istanbul, so the Khedive Pavilion was given to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Although it was seldom used between 1937 and 1982, it was damaged from time to time due to being used as a movie set; the movie makers were not careful enough, and they smashed the stained glass windows to get more light for their movies. In 1982, TURING (the Touring and Automobile Association of Turkey) initiated the renovation of the mansion. After several years, the Khedive Pavilion was reopened to visitors as a restaurant, hotel and cafe.Apart from these features, the mansion is divided into many other sections of the hall.
MARBLE HALL
As soon as visitors step into this grand hall, they are met with a huge, magnificent fountain covered in marble and mosaics from floor to ceiling. Framed by iron-clad windows, the hall opens out onto an enormous courtyard. Adorned with specially polished marble columns, the ceiling of the hall is made up of a mix of pink, white, and green chandeliers that were originally from Turkey. When lit up, the courtyard takes on a fairytale-like, color-coordinated ambiance. The tables and chairs, crafted from a blend of green-gray marble, evoke a palace-like atmosphere of luxury.
KONKAV HALL (CONCAVE HALL)
On entering the courtyard with a pool, one is met with the awe-inspiring sight of the double-fireplace, concave-shaped hall. Its two gigantic doors open onto a marble terrace. All the slabs of this hall are made from mahogany wood, with its furniture reflecting the grandeur of times past. The ceiling of the concave hall is lit up by crystal lights and candelabras.
CRYSTAL HALL
The ‘Crystal Hall’ is a dining room that is ornately decorated with crystals. It features flower motifs, gold leaf, mirrors, and brass lanterns, making it one of the most attractive parts of the Khediev Pavilion. This hall is sure to captivate its visitors.
WOODEN HALL
The hall is covered in mahogany wood and displays some of the most impressive examples of woodworking in its wooden furniture.
POOL ROAD (HAVUZLU YOL)
The central entrance serves as the gateway to all of the rooms and halls. The main feature of this hall is the special elevator which provides access to every part of the stunning pavilion.
THE FIRST STOREY
The first storey of the Khedive Palace contains six rooms located on the marble hall. The main three rooms offer a view of the palace’s rose garden, bringing to mind the paradise gardens. When one opens the windows, the smell of roses fills the air, creating the sensation of being in the Garden of Eden. The other three rooms are situated in the main hall. Two bedrooms can be found in the concave hall. These bedrooms each feature a toilet and bath. Formerly, Khedive Abbas Hilmi Pasha stayed in one of these bedrooms, which is decorated with unique woodcraft motifs. In addition, there was a secret gateway in the room which served as a large wardrobe with a mirror belonging
TOP 3 REASONS TO VISIT HIDIV KASRI IN ISTANBUL TURKEY
The Hidiv Kasri is an impressive and historically significant building located in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. This architectural masterpiece was built in 1907 and is home to a variety of attractions that are sure to please all kinds of tourists. Here are five reasons why Hidiv Kasri should be on your list of places to visit in Istanbul:
- Spectacular Architecture: The Hidiv Kasri is an architectural marvel, boasting stunning marble fountains, stained glass ceilings, iron–clad windows, and a grand terrace with a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. There is also a secret gateway in one of the bedrooms, which served as a large wardrobe with a mirror belonging to the last Ottoman governor of Egypt, Abbas Hilmi Pasha.
- Unique Art and Decoration: The Hidiv Kasri features many unique works of art and decorations, such as mahogany wood slabs, flower motifs, gold leaf, mirrors, and brass lanterns. The Marble Hall and the Concave Hall both feature grandeur that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
- Historical Significance: The Hidiv Kasri is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Istanbul, making it an important part of the city’s history. Moreover, the mansion was the former home of the last Ottoman governor of Egypt, Abbas Hilmi Pasha, making it a place of immense historical significance.
The Hidiv Kasri is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Istanbul. The terrace of the mansion offers a stunning view of the Bosphorus, while the Marble Hall and the Concave Hall provide a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. The Crystal Hall is a great place to dine, as it is adorned with luxurious crystal decorations. You can contact Tour Maker Turkey to learn more about our tours.
