Tophane District on Google Mapsekfur Palace in Byzantine period was known as the Palace of the Porphyrogeitus. It is not known exactly when it was constructed. Probably end of XIII or early years of XIV century constructed and probably as an annex of grater palace complex of Blachernae Palace. The palace was used as one of the imperial residence last two century of Byzantine empire. It is unique Byzantine palace survived in the city and one of the few examples of late Byzantine secular architecture in the world.

The Palace was a large three-story building located between the inner and outer walls of of Theodosian fortifications. On the ground floor an arcade with four arches opens into the courtyard which is overlooked by five large windows on the first floor. The top floor of the structure project above the walls has windows on all sides.

The palace in Ottoman period used for diferent purposes. During the 16th and 17th century, it used as menagerie for large animals such as elephants and giraffes. Then as a brotel, from 1719 pottery workshop, poorhouse for jews and at the end as bottle factory. Later periods the roof and all the floors of the structure have disappeared. The remaining walls are elaborately decorated with geometrical designs in red brick and white marble.

Tekfur Palace on Google Maps

View Larger Map