Didn’t Kaptan-ı Derya Baltaoğlu Süleyman Bey foresee that this place would become a sought-after place? Today we are standing in Baltalimanı Mahallesi. This neighborhood resides within Istanbul’s Sarıyer district. Baltalimanı means “axe port” in Turkish.
Baltalimanı owes its name to Baltaoğlu Süleyman Bey. He was the captain of the Ottoman navy during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Süleyman Bey’s ships were prepared here. These ships significantly contributed to Istanbul’s conquest. Prepared ships were sent to Beşiktaş. From there they were transported overland to the Golden Horn.
Baltalimanı became a popular spot during Reşit Pasha’s time. It was used as a summer residence and hunting lodge. Foreign guests were hosted here during the Tulip era. The hunting lodge still stands today. It now serves as the Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Hospital.
The Baltalimanı Agreement was signed here in 1838. Great Britain and the Ottoman Empire were the signatories. This agreement significantly expanded British trade rights. It also caused a commercial collapse in the Ottoman Empire.
In the mid-19th century, the Baltalimanı Palace was constructed. Vizier Mustafa Reşit Pasha commissioned it. The palace later became home to Galip Pasha. He was married to Fatma Sultan. She was the daughter of Sultan Abdulmecit.
Later, Abdulhamid’s younger daughter Mediha Sultan was allocated the palace in 1887. After Mediha Sultan married Ferit Bey, the ambassador of London, the building became known as Damat Ferit Palace. It served as a summer palace until 1992.
The palace was abandoned during the Republican period. It was closed and suffered damage. Parts were destroyed, plasters decayed and hall ornaments were broken. It was briefly used as the Fishery Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture. In 1943, the building was transferred to the Ministry of Health.
In 1944, the palace reopened as a hospital. It was initially named Bone Hospital. Later, it was renamed Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Hospital. In 2001, the hospital became a private branch education and research hospital. It is now a leading center for orthopedics and traumatology. As of 2022, the population of Baltalimanı is around 5,151. Baltalimanı stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich history. Its story encompasses naval triumphs and diplomatic agreements. It also includes the evolution from a palace to a modern hospital.