The First Guest of Beylerbeyi Palace: Empress Eugénie of France

Among the magnificent structures of the Ottoman Empire, Beylerbeyi Palace stands out as a dazzling palace located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus.
Built by Sultan Abdülaziz between 1861 and 1865, this splendid palace draws attention not only for its architecture but also for its historical memories. One of these memories is the visit of Empress Eugénie of France to the palace.

In 1869, Empress Eugénie embarked on a journey to India via the Suez Canal. However, an unexpected change occurred in her itinerary, redirecting her route to Istanbul. Upon hearing this news, Sultan Abdülaziz immediately took action to prepare Beylerbeyi Palace to host the Empress. Hosting Empress Eugénie at Beylerbeyi Palace held great significance as a symbol of the good relations between the Ottoman Empire and France.  During the Crimean War, France had provided military and economic aid to the Ottoman Empire. Sultan Abdülaziz wanted to host Empress Eugénie in the best possible way, aiming to strengthen these friendly relations and reinforce France's support for the Ottoman Empire. The hosting of Empress Eugénie at this palace marked a notable development in Ottoman-French relations, making history as a significant diplomatic gesture.