Istanbul to Rebuild Ottoman-era Yali Kosk Pavilion

The historic Yali Kosk, an Ottoman naval pavilion that once welcomed departing fleets and returning admirals, is slated for reconstruction on the Sarayburnu shoreline of Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace complex. The project, part of the Istanbul Governor’s Office “Yadigar” heritage initiative, will recreate the pavilion’s original three‑iwan plan, domed roof and extensive eaves, using the same decorative scheme that once featured around 6,000 İznik tiles. Archaeological work since 2007 has uncovered foundation remains, brick drainage channels and wooden support systems, guiding the restoration to match the late‑16th‑century design commissioned by Mimar Sinan’s successor Davut Ağa.

Construction is expected to be completed within two years, adding the Yali Kosk back to the historic peninsula’s silhouette. The rebuild joins more than 400 restoration projects under Yadigar, aimed at preserving Istanbul’s fountains, baths, military buildings and other historic structures.