Beylerbeyi Palace Over the centuries, the Beylerbeyi Palace and its location have undergone numerous renovations and reconstructions since the Byzantine era. The area was known as the "Garden of the Cross" from the Byzantine period until the 19th century, and the first palatial building was constructed under the orders of Mahmud II. After a fire in 1858, Sultan Abdülaziz demolished the old structure and rebuilt it to improve its structural strength. The palace, which covers a total area of 3,000 square meters, acquired its present appearance and additional buildings between 1863-1965. The Mabeyn and Harem sections have open structures to the public, along with several additional structures that serve different purposes, including sea pavilions, a historical tunnel connecting Üsküdar and Beylerbeyi, the Yellow Pavilion, Marble Pavilion, and the Barn Stables. The Beylerbeyi Palace, which blends western-influenced exterior structures with classical Ottoman palace features inside, was primarily used as a summer residence and allocated to high-profile visitors during the time of its construction. Notable guests who stayed at the palace include Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, France's Emperor Napoleon III's wife Empress Eugénie, German Emperor Wilhelm II, and Prince Nikola of Montenegro.