Maslak Palaces are among the important structures where Abdul Hamid II spent his princely period and lived with his family. Although historical information is not clear, it is known that the first construction in the region was carried out during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II and that various additions were made later during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. Maslak Palaces, which were allocated to Abdul Hamid II and his family in 1868, have since become a large farm. In this process, the palaces, which were named Maslak Çiftlikât-ı Hümâyûnu, have developed over time with additional buildings for different functions according to needs.
The palace complex consists of sections such as Mâbeyn-i Hümâyûn (reception hall), Kasr-ı Hümâyûn (harem), Seyir Köşkü (horse training observation pavilion), Ağalar Dairesi, Hamam, Bekçi Odası, Telgraf Odası, Su Deposu, At Ahırı (Tavla), Limonluk Bahçesi, Çadır Köşkü. Today, structures such as Mâbeyn-i Hümâyûn, Kasr-ı Hümâyûn, Limonluk Külhanı, Ağalar Dairesi and Çadır Köşkü have survived.
The Turkish house concept adopted in Maslak Palaces represents elegant examples of 19th century Ottoman residential architecture. Maslak Palaces are often associated with Abdul Hamid II because he had a significant share in the years and life he spent here. Here, Abdul Hamid II, who lived a modest life among the people, showed interest in carpentry, gardening and farming.
The palace complex, which remained in the personal property of Abdul Hamid II until 1924, was later used as a military preventorium. Maslak Palaces, which were restored in 1984 and transferred to the National Palaces, have been opened to the public. The gardens of Maslak Palaces are also used as a venue for receptions held at national or international levels. This historical complex is of great importance in terms of witnessing the life of Abdul Hamid II and presenting beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture.