Palaces and Mansions in Beşiktaş

A comprehensive and original study by Dr. Aynur Emer, shedding light on the early history of Beşiktaş, one of Ottoman Istanbul's most prominent districts. The palaces, mansions, and waterfront residences of Beşiktaş come to life.

Aynur Emer examines the architectural and social fabric of Beşiktaş in the 16th and 17th centuries, using kadi registers, archival documents, and visual materials. By tracing the many palaces, mansions, and waterfront residences that no longer exist, she provides a holistic view of Beşiktaş's early settlement and urbanization process. Furthermore, she meticulously examines the Beşiktaş Coastal Palace, which is central to the book, from its construction process to the transformations it underwent, thereby filling a significant gap in Ottoman palace architecture and Bosphorus history.

This work, which describes Beşiktaş's transformation from a village into an elite settlement preferred by the imperial elite, is a lasting reference for readers interested in history, urbanism, and architectural history…