Mecidiye Köşkü

The Mecidiye Köşkü is a structure built within the fourth courtyard of Topkapı Sarayı during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. Constructed on an area of approximately 570 square meters the building was completed in 1858 under the architectural design of Sarkis Balyan. It also holds the distinction of being the last köşk ever constructed within the grounds of Topkapı Sarayı.

Built upon a Byzantine-era retaining wall the site is believed to have previously housed the Çadır Köşkü and another köşk from the era of Fatih Sultan Mehmet.

The structure commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid is also known as Kasr-ı Hümayun and is referred to as the Yeni Köşk because it was the final köşk built within the palace complex. The köşk has three entrances one of which is a main gate. Inside it contains two salons six rooms as well as toilet and service areas.

On its open façade facing the Bosphorus the köşk features a spacious marble-clad terrace. The building consists of two main sections the Harem and the Reception Hall. Within the reception section there is a large salon and two audience rooms.

^{Mecidiye Köşkü (}Anadolu Ajansı⁾

Unlike the general classical style of Topkapı Sarayı the köşk exhibits influences from 19th-century European architectural art. Designed in the Empire style it resembles the Dolmabahçe Sarayı constructed during the same period.

The floral motifs in the ceiling paintings of the köşk resemble those found in the Dolmabahçe Sarayı Ihlamur Kasrı and Küçüksu Kasrı.

Mirrors consoles glass doors chandeliers and interior wall and ceiling decorations follow this style. Additionally the large seashell and shell-like motifs found in both interior and exterior ornamentation exemplify the incorporation of late Baroque elements into Empire design.

Used for diplomatic purposes the köşk was furnished with furniture imported from Fransa. Boule technique consoles cabinets mirrors and pianos are prominently featured.

^{Mecidiye Köşkü (}TRT Haber⁾

In the Ottoman period the seat of state administration moved from Topkapı Sarayı to Dolmabahçe Sarayı in 1856. The Mecidiye Köşkü built by Sultan Abdülmecid was not used as a residence or administrative center but rather as a ceremonial and rest area. When sultans visited Topkapı Sarayı for religious and official ceremonies such as the visit to the Hırka-ı Saadet or the accession ceremony they used this köşk as a place of rest. In addition ambassadors and foreign guests visiting the palace were entertained in the Mecidiye Köşkü. During the Republican era Atatürk and subsequent presidents of Türkiye also used the Mecidiye Köşkü.

The restoration process begun in 2020 was completed in 2023 after which the köşk was opened to visitors. The restoration was carried out in accordance with 19th-century photographs and historical documents. The furniture inside the building was also examined and restored. The gold-leaf wall decorations within the köşk were restored by skilled calligraphers. The outer surface coating was removed during the restoration to reveal the building’s original appearance.