Yildiz Palace

Yildiz Palace is a group of kiosques built by Sultan Abdülaziz (1861-1876) and extended by Sultan Abdülhamit (1876-1909) who also had a mosque erected among the kiosques, named Hamidiye Mosque. The palace became his home and hiding place, for he dreaded being murdered. The great Ylldlz Park around the kiosques comprises wooded hills, grassy vales and fruitful orchards, fountains and waterfalls together with aviaries of birds, menageries of wild beasts and lakes teeming with gold and silver fish where one can row a small caique.

Two of the kiosques are being used as restaurants; the Sale Kiosque houses an exhibition of ninetenth century memorabilia. Yildiz Kiosque has served as a residence for visiting heads of state. The Malta Pavilion, restored by the Touring and Automobile Association of Turkey, is a pleasant café, its upper floor reserved for conferences, concerts and cocktails.