Built in the mid-19th century the building was originally used as a library and ambassadors reception hall for foreign diplomatic missions. In the early 1980's, the Turkish Government allocated this building to serve as a research center for history, art, and culture.
The restoration of this oblong, one-storey building was executed after thorough research on the original construction methods and materials was conducted. The necessary infrastructure (heating, electricity, etc.) and other amenities were installed to cater for the new type of activities taking place in the Qasr. The main reception room has been restored and converted into a multi-purpose hall equipped with simultaneous translation booths.
Some samples of the original cloth (known as çit") decorating the walls were found and left in place
