{"id":578,"date":"2026-08-25T15:03:54","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T12:03:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/?p=578"},"modified":"2026-08-26T17:29:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T14:29:12","slug":"istanbul-sultans-secret-pavilion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-sultans-secret-pavilion\/","title":{"rendered":"Unusual Places in Istanbul: A Sultan&#8217;s Secret Pavilion and a Free Museum"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-578\" data-postid=\"578\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-578 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-css_id=\"wuvg225\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row fullwidth_row_container tb_wuvg225 tb_first tf_w\">\n            <span  class=\"builder_row_cover tf_abs\" data-lazy=\"1\"><\/span>            <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_pyft225 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_705i225   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Unusual Places in Istanbul: A Sultan\u2019s Secret Pavilion and a Banking Museum<br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_ex94225   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-906\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/new_logo_white.png\" alt=\"Aleks blog\" width=\"107\" height=\"40\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_znu9225 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_b0hd225 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_vfcs225   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Merhaba!<\/p>\n<p>Emin\u00f6n\u00fc is Istanbul&#8217;s most touristy district. All the old mosques, the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, the busiest ferry pier, bal\u0131k ekmek by the Galata Bridge \u2014 it&#8217;s all there. Crowds of tourists, landmarks everyone knows, and insane ticket prices. Yeah, the Turks have really lost it with these prices.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/best-museums-in-istanbul\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Which museums to visit in Istanbul the first time<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But\u2026 among all that chaos there are plenty of hidden gems \u2014 you just need to look a little. Today I&#8217;ll share two amazing spots that even a lot of locals don&#8217;t know about. And with free admission too!<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_oc03225 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_1lvp225 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_d0jz225   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-579 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul26-246.jpg\" alt=\"H\u00fcnkar Kasr\u0131\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul26-246.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul26-246-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul26-246-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul26-246-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul26-246-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_g6tj225 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_32ee225 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_3d27225   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>H\u00fcnkar Kasr\u0131: the Sultan&#8217;s Pavilion by the New Mosque<\/h2>\n<p>Hardly anyone notices this pavilion, even though it&#8217;s attached directly to the New Mosque (Yeni Cami). Here are its <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/SuiWcoLxwuPtzowVA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coordinates on Google Maps<\/a>. Hold off on clicking though, there are a couple of things to know first.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Despite the opening hours listed on Google, in reality they open whenever they feel like it. I came by three times and it was closed every time. Aim for after 2 PM, any day except Monday.<\/li>\n<li>Google Maps will take you to the building, but not to the actual entrance. There&#8217;s no sign, no indication, and it&#8217;s genuinely unclear which door hides all this luxury. When I visited, the first room by the entrance had a drawing exhibition set up, with posters only for that event.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>How to find the entrance<\/h3>\n<p>Step-by-step with photos.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ldmc224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_middle tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_iors224 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_og9t225   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <ol>\n<li>Coming from the waterfront, face the New Mosque. Walk through the arch.<\/li>\n<li>After the arch, there will be souvenir shops on your left. Keep going.<\/li>\n<li>The passage between the two buildings is the sultan&#8217;s private entrance into the mosque. More on that below.<\/li>\n<li>Here&#8217;s the entrance to the pavilion. If it&#8217;s closed, turn around and come back later.<\/li>\n<li>If it&#8217;s open, go inside. Walk through a small gallery. Say &#8220;merhaba&#8221; to the guard. If the door is open \u2014 success. Put on shoe covers and enjoy. Free of charge! If the door is closed, ask the guard when it opens.<\/li>\n<\/ol>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tb_r8jc357\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col4-2 tb_lrz0358 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_me8k205 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-180.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col4-2 tb_qnze359 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_acgf693 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-181.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tb_pge7584\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col4-2 tb_i8ch584 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_fbka584 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-169.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col4-2 tb_6bbo584 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_a2m7584 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-171.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_svj3224 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_p1qv224   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24805\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-243.jpg\" alt=\"H\u00fcnkar Kasr\u0131 \u0421\u0442\u0430\u043c\u0431\u0443\u043b\" width=\"1350\" height=\"1800\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_3sp9224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_s4n1224 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_qjwj224   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>What H\u00fcnkar Kasr\u0131 actually is<\/h2>\n<p>H\u00fcnkar Kasr\u0131 translates fairly literally: H\u00fcnkar means &#8220;sultan,&#8221; and Kas\u0131r (Kasr\u0131) means &#8220;pavilion&#8221; \u2014 a small palace, a countryside or private residence.<\/p>\n<p>This is the sultan&#8217;s pavilion at the New Mosque, built in the 17th century as part of the mosque complex. Its purpose was very practical: the sultan didn&#8217;t enter the mosque like ordinary people. He&#8217;d arrive, first step into his pavilion, rest, and then go straight through a private passage into his own box inside the mosque to pray. After prayer, he&#8217;d return to the pavilion \u2014 tea, lule kebab, concubines, belly dancing, or just gazing out the window at the Bosphorus. Then he&#8217;d head back home to Dolmabah\u00e7e.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_3gyr224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_vqee224 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_ey70862 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-245.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_12jq360 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_ofnm980 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-248.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_z05t697 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_99dg697 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_eytj697 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-250.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_pwaf697 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_2bj9697 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-247.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ya7l224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_g7em224 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_hluf224   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Why is the mosque called &#8220;New&#8221;?<\/h2>\n<p>The New Mosque (Yeni Cami) is called that simply because, at the time it was completed, it genuinely was new.<\/p>\n<p>Actually, the New Mosque took a long time to build and came with plenty of drama. Construction began (mid-16th century) under Safiye Sultan \u2014 one of the most powerful women of the so-called &#8220;Sultanate of Women.&#8221; She wanted to build a massive mosque in a strategic spot by the water, close to trade and the port.<\/p>\n<p>But after a change in power, her influence disappeared, the money ran out, and construction was frozen. It was only 50 years later that another valide, Turhan Hatice Sultan, returned to the project and finally completed it.<\/p>\n<h2>What was the &#8220;Sultanate of Women&#8221;?<\/h2>\n<p>Roughly during the 16th\u201317th centuries, women of the harem \u2014 especially the mothers of sultans (valide sultans) \u2014 held enormous power in the Ottoman Empire. This happened because sultans often took the throne as teenagers, and the real decisions were made by their mothers. Yes, the harem was a center of political decision-making.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_dg2p224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_8obt224 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_oc8l224   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24799 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-258.jpg\" alt=\"H\u00fcnkar Kasr\u0131 Istanbul\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_fnvj224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_uqt2224 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_73ol224   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Okay, enough history. Let&#8217;s admire the result of decisions made by two women of the Ottoman Empire.<\/p>\n<p>A luxurious pavilion \u2014 the walls covered in \u0130znik tiles. Simply divine. This is that same &#8220;Turkish blue&#8221; you&#8217;d normally view over the shoulders of hundreds of tourists at Topkap\u0131 Palace, but here you&#8217;ll have this beauty all to yourself. Almost no one else is around.<\/p>\n<p>Just look at the ceilings and doors. All handcrafted, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ivory, preserved in perfect condition.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_di5j224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_5p86224 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_ambv393 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-252.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_t5v0560 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_th0u992 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-253.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_z1t7855 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_6my8856 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_spay856 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-254.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_efcl856 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_dvt1856 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-255.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_id29224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_seat224 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_660f224   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>The Turkish Banking Museum<\/h2>\n<p>We leave the pavilion, and across the street is a pink 19th-century building. That&#8217;s our next stop: the Turkish Banking Museum. Admission here is free too! What a deal. With the money you save, you can grab two ayrans that evening.<\/p>\n<p>Opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM, closed on Mondays.<\/p>\n<p>The first floor has recreated bank clerks&#8217; interiors \u2014 typewriters, antique telephones, giant ledger books. You can even grab a sheet of paper and try typing on the typewriter yourself.<\/p>\n<p>The most interesting part is downstairs. Head down and walk along the corridor.<\/p>\n<p>In the basement there&#8217;s a huge armored door and an old bank vault. Rows of safe deposit boxes, heavy locks. Pro tip: perfect spot for bank-heist-style photos. Or send your relatives a little clip of you &#8220;hiding&#8221; your crypto wallet seed phrase in box 221.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_rkvx224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_plmb224 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_fr0q224   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24814 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-168.jpg\" alt=\"Istanbul The Turkish Banking Museum\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24816 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-160.jpg\" alt=\"Istanbul The Turkish Banking Museum\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24815 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-164.jpg\" alt=\"Istanbul The Turkish Banking Museum\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1350\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_bjms224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_pedi224 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_w9u0205 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-162.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_lwf3414 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_uk08307 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-163.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_l13q507 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_jfxi507 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_hdk5507 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-161.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_ai23507 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_ln2r507 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-166.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_itt3902 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_8jw0902 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_ylt4902 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-165.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_7a8j902 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_o0ue902 image-top   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istanbul26-167.jpg\" alt=\"\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ub3q224 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_bzoc224 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_ioka224   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Alright\u2026 now you can head over to the Grand Bazaar. But not to hunt for \u20ac5 Guccis. I put together a <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-unusual-spots-in-the-grand-bazaar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">great guide to its authentic spots<\/a> \u2014 real treasures for history lovers, and for your reels so your friends can be jealous of the photos.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_cah6105 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_jefb105 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_herh105   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>More about Turkey and Istanbul:<\/h3>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module post -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post tb_f36l105 \">\n        <div  class=\"builder-posts-wrap loops-wrapper grid4 masonry boxed tf_rel tf_clear tf_clearfix\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <article id=\"post-596\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-596 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-places tag-turkey has-post-title no-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t    \n\t                <figure class=\"post-image tf_clearfix\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-unusual-spots-in-the-grand-bazaar\/\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul26-91-1024x768.jpg\" title=\"Istanbul: 10 Unusual Spots in the Grand Bazaar\" alt=\"Istanbul: 10 Unusual Spots in the Grand Bazaar\">                                                                    <\/a>\n                                                                <\/figure>\n                    \t<div class=\"post-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"post-content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-unusual-spots-in-the-grand-bazaar\/\">Istanbul: 10 Unusual Spots in the Grand Bazaar<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t        <div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n        \n        <\/div><!-- \/.entry-content -->\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<!-- \/.post-content-inner -->\n\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/.post-content -->\n\t\n<\/article>\n<!-- \/.post -->\n<article id=\"post-594\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-594 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-countries tag-turkey has-post-title no-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t    \n\t                <figure class=\"post-image tf_clearfix\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbuls-fener-balat-colorful-houses\/\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul_2018-27-1024x682.jpg\" title=\"Istanbul\u2019s Fener and Balat: Colorful Houses, Crumbling Staircases, Hidden Gems\" alt=\"Istanbul\u2019s Fener and Balat: Colorful Houses, Crumbling Staircases, Hidden Gems\">                                                                    <\/a>\n                                                                <\/figure>\n                    \t<div class=\"post-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"post-content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbuls-fener-balat-colorful-houses\/\">Istanbul\u2019s Fener and Balat: Colorful Houses, Crumbling Staircases, Hidden Gems<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t        <div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n        \n        <\/div><!-- \/.entry-content -->\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<!-- \/.post-content-inner -->\n\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/.post-content -->\n\t\n<\/article>\n<!-- \/.post -->\n<article id=\"post-592\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-592 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-places tag-turkey has-post-title no-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t    \n\t                <figure class=\"post-image tf_clearfix\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-find-colorful-houses-in-istanbul\/\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kuzgundjuk-1024x768.jpg\" title=\"Where to Find Colorful Houses in Istanbul\" alt=\"Where to Find Colorful Houses in Istanbul\">                                                                    <\/a>\n                                                                <\/figure>\n                    \t<div class=\"post-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"post-content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-find-colorful-houses-in-istanbul\/\">Where to Find Colorful Houses in Istanbul<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t        <div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n        \n        <\/div><!-- \/.entry-content -->\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<!-- \/.post-content-inner -->\n\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/.post-content -->\n\t\n<\/article>\n<!-- \/.post -->\n<article id=\"post-589\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-589 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-travel-tips tag-turkey has-post-title no-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t    \n\t                <figure class=\"post-image tf_clearfix\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-how-to-get-from-the-airport\/\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul-2015-59-1024x682.jpg\" title=\"Istanbul: How to Get from the Airport\" alt=\"Istanbul: How to Get from the Airport\">                                                                    <\/a>\n                                                                <\/figure>\n                    \t<div class=\"post-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"post-content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-how-to-get-from-the-airport\/\">Istanbul: How to Get from the Airport<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t        <div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n        \n        <\/div><!-- \/.entry-content -->\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<!-- \/.post-content-inner -->\n\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/.post-content -->\n\t\n<\/article>\n<!-- \/.post -->\n    <\/div><!-- .builder-posts-wrap -->\n                <\/div>\n<!-- \/module post -->\n    <!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_j6tv105 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/tag\/turkey\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx orange\" >\n                                                All About #Turkey                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_au66105   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><script async src=\"https:\/\/tpwdgt.com\/content?trs=131991&#038;shmarker=85813.ablogen&#038;tour=415437%2C593344%2C21283&#038;items=3&#038;locale=en-US&#038;powered_by=false&#038;campaign_id=108&#038;promo_id=4039\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These places in Istanbul aren\u2019t mentioned in guidebooks. Two great spots, and completely free!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":579,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[23],"class_list":["post-578","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-places","tag-turkey","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Unusual Places in Istanbul: A Sultan&#039;s Secret Pavilion and a Free Museum - AleksBlog.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What to See in Istanbul for Free: a Sultan\u2019s Secret Pavilion and a Banking Museum. Unusual places that almost no one knows about!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-sultans-secret-pavilion\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Unusual Places in Istanbul: A Sultan&#039;s Secret Pavilion and a Free Museum - AleksBlog.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What to See in Istanbul for Free: a Sultan\u2019s Secret Pavilion and a Banking Museum. 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