Long before it became part of the Yildiz Technical University campus, Ota\u011f-\u0131 H\u00fcmayun stood as a silent witness to Istanbul’s evolving story. This is Ota\u011f-\u0131 H\u00fcmayun.
Imagine stepping back to 1483. Davud Pasha orders the construction of a kasr. Some say it marks a strategic spot on the caravan route to Edirne. This kasr becomes known as Ota\u011f-\u0131 H\u00fcmayun.
Centuries pass. The Ottoman army recognizes its value. Ota\u011f-\u0131 H\u00fcmayun transforms into a vital military hub.
Later, during the reign of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, Ota\u011f-\u0131 H\u00fcmayun undergoes reconstruction. Its walls echo with the footsteps of soldiers and the whispers of strategy.
Fast forward to 1596. III. Mehmed celebrates victory after the Eğri-Haçova battle within these walls. Ota\u011f-\u0131 H\u00fcmayun hosts a grand ceremony. Its significance in military and palatial events solidifies.
The building features a unique design. The ground floor’s main hall spans 10.48 x 10.51 meters. A ribbed cloister vault covers the space without pillars. This was quite innovative for the time.
Originally, the interior boasted exquisite tiles and stained-glass windows. Sadly, time took its toll. Only fragments of the tiles remain on the vault ribs. Glimpses of the stained glass hint at their past splendor.
The first floor houses an even larger space measuring 10.95 x 10.97 meters. A dome tops this level. It benefits from the varying wall thicknesses between floors.
Historical records from II. Sultan Mahmud’s era mention two bedrooms near the entrance hall. Interestingly, one ground-floor room had a separate entrance. This suggests its use as a guardroom disconnected from the main living areas.
Over the centuries, Ota\u011f-\u0131 H\u00fcmayun faced decay and questionable repairs. The Büyükşehir Municipality initiated a restoration project. It was under the supervision of the Yildiz Technical University Science Board.
Restoration efforts included removing cement-based plasters from the interior. Craftsmen replaced them with traditional horasan mortar for fillings and plasters. Experts designed and installed decorative cornices based on historical research.
The exterior stone walls underwent careful scrutiny. Epoxi injections stabilized cracks threatening the structure. Decayed stones were replaced using traditional methods. Finally, a careful cleaning process revealed the stone’s original beauty.
Today, Ota\u011f-\u0131 H\u00fcmayun stands restored within the Yildiz Technical University Davutpa\u015fa Campus. It serves as a cultural center. It blends history and art. It is a testament to Istanbul’s layered past. The Ota\u011f-\u0131 H\u00fcmayun serves as a reminder of the past.