Before Dolmabahçe — 15th–mid-19th centuries

Historical focus: 15th–mid-19th centuries. Dates describe the main subject, not the publication date; later afterlives may also appear.

Lost Imperial Leisure Palaces and the Seasonal Geography of the Ottoman Court

Dolmabahçe did not suddenly move the Ottoman dynasty to the Bosphorus.

For centuries the court had already travelled beyond Topkapı — to waterfront pavilions, hunting grounds, suburban palaces, Kağıthane, Davud Pasha and Beşiktaş.

Sepetçiler and Gülhane show that even Topkapı had a wider ceremonial landscape.

Davud Pasha demonstrates how a suburban estate could become a full temporary imperial court.

Sa'dabad transformed leisure into architecture during the Tulip Era.

Ayasağa represents the smaller biniş kasrı tradition.

Old Beşiktaş Sahilsarayı marks the decisive transition: by Selim III and Mahmud II, the Bosphorus was no longer merely a seasonal escape. It was becoming the principal residential geography of the state.

Dolmabahçe was therefore not an abrupt break.

It was the monumental conclusion of a centuries-long migration.