Only glimpses of the former grandeur of the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus (Sovereign) during its years as an imperial residence are discernible from the sketchy remains. Its one extant hall, now open to the elements, does, however, have an attractive three-storey facade in typically Byzantine style. This is decorated in red brick and white marble, with arched doorways at ground level and two rows of windows looking down on to a courtyard.
The palace dates from the late Byzantine era. Its exact age is debatable since the technique of alter-.   nating stone with three courses of brick is typical of the 10th century, whereas its geometrical designs were common in the 14th centuiy. It was most likely constructed as an annexe of nearby Blachernae Palace. These two palaces became the principle residences of the imperial sovereigns during the last two centuries before the fall of Byzantium in 1453 .
During the reign of Ahmet III (1703-30) the last remaining iznik potters  moved to the palace and it became a centre for tile production. However, by this time their skills were in decline and the tiles made here never acquired the excellence of those created at the height of production in İznik. Yet, some strong colours, including a rich red, were used. Cezri Kasım Paşa Mosque in Eyüp has some fine examples of these tiles.

THE TEKFUR PALACE

The present-day Tekfur Saray is all that remains of the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus , which once adjoined the city walls. It is a three-storey building. The roof and floors have collapsed. The entrance consists of columns and four arches. On the second floor there are five large windows. The third floor has more, with seven of them overlooking the courtyard. The walls are decorated with marble and brick ornamentation.
It may require a little acrobatic skill but it is still possible to climb up to the top of the tower. The Ottomans used the building for some time as a menagerie for wild animals such as elephants and giraffes. Later, the place even served as a secret brothel. In thelSth century Ibrahim Pasha founded a ceramics workshop here to develop the art of tile manufacture. Today it is open to visitors but, as a museum, is a rather poorly organized. Recently, however, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality confirmed that a plan had been drawn up for the restoration of the palace.