Hidiv Pavilion

Description:

• Hidiv Pavilion was built by an Italian architect, Delfo Seminati, in 1907. After Egypt gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire, the former khedive of Egypt was removed from his office. Consequently, Khedive Abbas settled into the Hidiv Pavilion after the incident with his family. The pavilion has a distinct art-nouveau structure. Inside the middle of the main entrance, there is a fountain made of marble and its ceiling is covered by stained glass. Apart from its architecture, the Hidiv Kasr-i is well known for its view. The Pavilion's most important feature, the watch-tower, offers a vast view of the entire one half of the Bosphorus. After Khedive left Istanbul in 1930s, Hidiv Pavilion was purchased by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. It was rarely used between 1937- 1982, except as a movie set from time to time. Unfortunately, movie producers have not used it with utmost care; hence some of the unique features of the building have been stained. The restoration process was started by Touring and Automobile Association of Turkey (TURING) in 1982. After two years of restoration work by TURING, Hidiv Kasr was opened in 1984 as a hotel, restaurant and cafeteria.
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