The Austrian Palace
The Austrian Consulate building of Istanbul is located in Yenikoy. In an edict issued on September 28, 1882, Sultan Abdulmecit II gave the land and building of the Yenikoy compound to Emperor Franz Josef as a gift, to be used as the Austrian Embassy.
At that time the land was a part of the trust of Sultan Bayezid IV, which was made up in seven parts. The building, owned by the family of the Armenian banker Cezayirli Migirdic, was probably constructed in mid-19th century in the neo classical style by master builder Migirdic Kalfa (Charkyan) The interior of building had never been completed. In the 18th century, contrary to other great European countries Austria had maintained a residence in Buyukdere, which the Austrian ambassador of the time (1799), Josef Hammer Purgstall, had rented as a summer residence. Between the years 1894-1898 Austria reconstructed the main building and the outbuilding in Yenikoy. The interior decoration was in the empire style. The story of Austrian palace is very complex. At the end of the war's ownership changed hands several times. When World War I ended in 1918, the Austrian property was given to Hungary until 1938. The contents of the palace were partially sold in 1918 by the ambassador; Markgraf Pallavici; in order to run the daily ministry work.
This led the chaotic plundering. In summer of 1920 the palace was used as the office of the English High Corn missioner. In 1938 when Austria was annexed by Hitler, the building became German Property, the deed being registered in Sariyer on February 27, 1941. On June 14, 1947 it became a property of the Federal Republic Austria and was registered in the Sariyer deed. With decision of the Austrian Foreign Office, the architectural firm of Vienna, A. Machatchek and W. Sherman, together with Koray Firm of Istanbul undertook a widespread restoration of the main building the outbuilding, and the 30000 m2 garden, which contains many varieties of plants.
50 million Austrian schillings were appropriated for this restoration which lasted two years (1992-1994). The very simple and elegantly decorated Reception room is located right next to Ballroom and Dining Room. On the wall of the Reception room is an antique tapestry depicting a hunt scene.
The Ballroom, very much appreciated for acoustic by Musicians, is ornamented by elegant Murona Chandeliers. The Decorations on the ceiling are an example of Austrian decorative artwork. The Austrian consulate and the Austrian Cultural Office now conduct their functions from this building. Every month the Austrian Cultural Office organizes concerts, open to public, to introduce young Turkish Musician. The simple and elegantly decorated Reception room is located right next to Ballroom and Dining Room. On the wall of the Reception room is an antique tapestry depicting a hunt scene. The Ballroom, very much appreciated for its acoustic by musicians, is ornamented by elegant Murona Chandeliers. The Decorations on the ceiling are an example of Austrian decorative artwork.
