Beykoz Glass Museum

When asked where the best glasswork in the world is done, perhaps Venice and Murano glass come to mind first, but Turkey also has a considerable heritage. If you want to learn about the history of glassmaking, which began in the Ottoman period, and see the finest examples of this craft, you should definitely visit the Glass Museum in Beykoz.

The museum is located in the Beykoz district, within a 360-acre historical grove surrounded by forests. Actually, this building was originally a stable on Abraham Pasha's land in the 19th century. A large garden stands in front of this U-shaped, single-story stone building.

The museum's collection contains nearly fifteen hundred glass pieces; these are displayed around themes from the Seljuk period to the late Ottoman period: oil lamps, tableware, chandeliers, a glass carriage belonging to Sultan Mahmud II; and also private collections from France and Italy.

The Turks' first encounter with glass art dates back to the Great Seljuk period, to 1526. Back then, glass created using the blowing technique was decorated with a curved cutting technique. During the Ottoman period, glass lamps were ordered from Venice to illuminate mosques. Glass production took place in glass workshops in the Old City, Galata, Üsküdar, and Tophane. The Çeşmibülbül glass, a signature of the Ottoman era, was produced in the 19th century with its unique technique. In 1837, the Beykoz Glass and Crystal Factory, which houses this museum, was built.

Located within the Beykoz forests, this complex also includes a small shop, a café, and a lovely garden where peacocks and rabbits roam. Visit this place to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and embark on a journey through history and aesthetics.

This palace, belonging to the National Palaces Administration, can be visited every day except Monday between 09:00 and 17:00.