Ciragan Palace is located on the European shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul's Besiktas district, between the waterfront and the slope leading up to the Yildiz complex. Today, its historic building is part of the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul hotel, but for visitors it is primarily of interest as one of the notable late Ottoman palaces along the city's shoreline.

The palace was built in the 19th century by order of Sultan Abdulaziz. Its design is associated with architects from the Balyan family, who were involved in the creation of many imperial buildings in Istanbul at that time. The facades were clad in marble, and the interior spaces once featured rich decoration characteristic of sultanic residences of the second half of the 19th century.

The palace's history also includes a dramatic period: after the deposition of Sultan Murad V, the building was used for some time as his place of confinement. Later, the Ottoman parliament met here, but in 1910 a major fire destroyed almost the entire interior, leaving mainly the outer walls of the palace. Restoration began much later, and by the end of the 20th century the complex had been given its modern use.

Today, Ciragan Palace attracts tourists not with a museum exhibition, but with its location, preserved facade, and connection to the history of Ottoman Istanbul. It is usually viewed from the Bosphorus waterfront during a walk through Besiktas or on the way between Dolmabahce Palace, the Ortakoy district, and Yildiz Park.