Ishak Pasha Palace is one of the most impressive buildings of the Ottoman Empire in the east and was completed over a period of about 100 years. The construction of the palace began in 1685 by Çıldır Province Governor Çolak Abdi Pasha. It was later greatly expanded by his son Ishak Pasha II and in 1784 it took on its current appearance.
The main reason why the construction took so long is that the palace was designed not only as a residence, but also as a multifunctional administrative centre, military base, religious building and living space. Therefore, rather than a 'palace', it can be considered a symbol of a powerful principality in the eastern provinces of the period.
The Ottoman Empire's desire to consolidate its dominance in this region close to the Iranian border also explains the strategic location of the palace. The construction of such a magnificent structure in a region like Doğubayazıt, close to the border, is both a show of political power and a cultural message.
İshak Paşa Palace was the administrative centre of Doğubayazıt Sanjak during the period it was built. It was also used as a place where important guests were hosted and various diplomatic meetings were held. Unlike the classical palace architecture of the Ottoman Empire, it bears intense traces of eastern architecture, making this multicultural and multifunctional building even more unique.