Description
Beykoz Glass and Crystal Museum takes its name from the historic Beykoz Glass and Crystal Factory, a significant glass production facility established in this district during the Ottoman era. The museum's architectural gem was commissioned by Abraham Pasha, who initially served as the gatekeeper (kapı kethüdası) to Ismail Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt, and later attained the rank of vizier under Sultan Abdulaziz.
In the 19th century, Abraham Pasha developed his property in Beykoz, constructing mansions, pavilions, pools, a theater building, and stables. The surviving stable, now transformed into a museum through restoration by the National Palaces, is a U-shaped stone structure, showcasing the distinctive architectural features of the 19th century and providing an exquisite backdrop for museum exhibits.
Nestled within an expansive grove, the grounds of the Beykoz Glass and Crystal Museum span approximately 360 acres. The museum boasts a spectacular garden adorned with exotic plants and a diverse collection of 117 tree species, presenting a captivating spectrum of green hues. Abraham Pasha meticulously tended to the garden of his Beykoz estate, introducing plants and trees that were unprecedented in the Ottoman State during that era. The garden's rich and varied flora adds a botanical museum aspect to the Beykoz Glass and Crystal Museum.
The museum's collection, showcasing 1,480 pieces of exemplary works, allows visitors to trace the developmental stages of Turkish glass art. In addition to Turkish glass pieces, the collection features unique creations produced for Ottoman palaces in Europe. With its 12 thematic sections, the museum stands as a testament to the evolution of Turkish glass art.
