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“WE ARE ERECTING BUKALEON PALACE”
After long excavations a magnificent palace from the Roman era is being restored to take its place among other historical assets of Istanbul Located in the Küçük Ayasofya neighborhood, at Çatladıkapı Mevkii on Kennedy Avenue, the palace occupies an area of approximately 1347 square meters.
The Boukoleon Palace is a seaside palace dating back to the Middle Byzantine Period (mid-9th century to early 13th century). Some parts of the palace were added during the reign of Emperor Theophilus (829-842), although it was initially commissioned by Emperor Theodosius II (408-450).
Situated between the lighthouse called Faros and the imperial pier used as a port, the palace stands atop the walls. The foundation of the Boukoleon Palace was laid with ancient marble blocks, and it consists mainly of two sections, with an approximately 300-meter-long front facade between the walls.
An monumental staircase passing through a short wall in a north-south direction connected the small harbor in front with the seaside palace, separating these two parts. The western part of the palace was damaged during railway construction in the 1870s.
Today, the remaining part of the palace is its eastern section. This section consists of vaulted spaces covered with successive brick layers, with rectangular door and window openings with marble jambs opening towards the Sea of Marmara. Marble consoles seen here indicate that there was a balcony stretching along this area. The spaces on the Faros (lighthouse) side of the palace were adorned with columns featuring rich decorations. Some of these column bases are currently on display at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums.
Today, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality is reviving the palace and undertaking its restoration. This magnificent historical monument will soon be made accessible to visitors, offering them a glimpse into its rich history.
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