Aynalıkavak Pavilion

Aynalıkavak Kasrı
Keçecipiri Mah. Hasköy
Tel: (212) 253 77 55 – 250 40 94

Visiting hours: 09:00-16:00 (closed on Monday and Thursday)

Despite its historical identity and the special place in Istanbul life, Aynalıkavak has been open to the public only since 1985. According to Evliya Çelebi, the famous Turkish traveler, the area the pavilion was built upon was once a vineyard and grove. After the conquest of Istanbul attracted the Sultans' attention and became a favorite excursion place.

The building reflects the last and one of the most beautiful examples of late Ottoman architecture with its two-story construction. Moreover ornamentation of the pavilion is also an excellent example of the taste of its era.

Aynalıkavak, getting its name from the famous mirrors presented by the Venetians in the period of Ahmet III (1718) had several changes before reaching its latest form in the 19th century. The interior ornamentation is a synthesis of west and east. The pavilion exhibits a long lost life style with divans, braziers and candles.

“Aynalıkavak Concerts” are organized in memoriam of Sultan Selim III, who was a famous Turkish composer. The pavilion, recently restored also hosts “Turkish Music Research Center” and “Turkish Musical Instruments Museum”.

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