It is not completely known when the Tekfur Palace was built, but it is said that the palace was built by the Byzantine Emperor, Porphyrogenitus. Therefore it is also called Porphyrogenitus Palace at present day. Other sources mention that, it was built as an extension to the Blakhernai Palacein between the 13th and 14th centuries. It is located between Edirnekapi and Egrikapi next to the city walls.
Tekfur Palace at first look, shows that structure is built in three story high building with five large windows over looking to the court yard on the first floor. When you pass the court yard and enter inside the building, you will see ground floor is an arcade with four arches. Top floor of the palace is surrounded by windows at all the sides (four) with balcony located on the east face of the building. During the time, most of the building parts such as roof and floors has been disappeared but remaining walls are renovated with red bricks and white marbles based on original Byzantine architecture.
After Ottomans conquered Istanbul, the palace remained abandoned. At the end of the 17th century, a zoo was established. According to the traveller John Sanderson’ sayings, Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq who came here 40 years ago wanted to see a giraffe living in that zoo but because of that it died a few days before, he excavated the tomb of the giraffe in order to satisfy his curiosity of an animal which he had never seen in Europe. Another event is about ‘’Kasıkcı Diamond’’; well known in the worldwide Kasikci Diamond was found in the dump of Tekfur Palace.
Except for interesting events of Tekfur Palace, it was used as many different purposes and examinated today. For example that; During the 18th century, used as a ceramic workshop Tekfur Palace was turned into the glass and glass productions factory in 19th century. Archeological excavations still continue in order to be examinated it.
