There is no precise information available about when Tekfur Palace was built, which is located between Edirnekapi and Egrikapi next to the city walls. Some sources mention the palace was built by Byzantine Empire Porfirogenetos, but it was an additional building to the original palace. Some other sources writes, however, that it was built as an extension to Blakhernai Palace in 13th and 14th centuries.
The Palace had remained to be as wreck right after Ottomans had had conquered Istanbul. A zoo was established here, towards the end of 17th century. As narrated by John Sanderson, who visited Istanbul in 16th century, Busbecq, who was appointed as ambassador 40 years before Sanderson’s arrival, visited the zoo to see giraffe. Being told that the giraffe died three days ago, he had the grave of giraffe to be excavated in order to satisfy his curiosity of an animal which he had not seen in Europe at all. Having being used as ceramic atelier in 18th century, the palace was later transformed into glass production atelier in 19th century. For the records, world’s renown Kasikci Diamond had been found in the garbage of the premise.
Today, with its rearranged surrounding by the Municipality, archeological excavation still continues.
Sun, May 17, 2009
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