Maslak Pavilion The hilltop site of these royal lodges overlooking the Bosphorus is between the districts of Levent and Ayazaga on the European shore. Sultan Mahmud II (1808-1839) first had a pavilion constructed here, and Abdulhamid II (1876-1909) lived in the later pavilion as a young man. Exactly when the royal lodges were constructed and by whom is unknown, but most can be roughly dated to the reign of Abdulaziz (1861-1876).Set in a wooded park with an area of 170,000 square metres, the Maslak Royal Lodges consist of the main Kasr-i Humâyun, the Mabeyn-i Humâyűn with its adjoining Conservatory, the Cadir Kosk and Pasalar Dairesi. Commanding a magnificent view over the Bosphorus strait and set amongst green woodland, the kasirs are outstanding examples of late 19th century Ottoman architecture. Architecture and Interior Design Sultan Abdulhamid II had his study and bedroom in the Kasr-i Humâyűn, and it was here that he was informed of his accession to the Ottoman throne.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 Humâyűn, Conservatory and the small pavilion known as the Cadir Kosk have been similarly renovated and are now used as cafis. The extensive gardens have been landscaped and are now named the National Sovereignty Park. |
