Audio GuideEmirgan Park

Emirgan Korusu is a vibrant hillside park overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul, cherished for its lush greenery and rich history. Covering more than one hundred acres, this enclosed oasis provides a peaceful blend of nature and culture on the edge of the bustling city.

حمد بن فهد ال ثاني

In Byzantine times, the area was covered with endless cypress trees, earning it the nickname “Cypress Woods.” In the sixteenth century, the prominent Ottoman official Feridun Bey became its owner, and the park took his name. In the seventeenth century, Sultan Murad the Fourth granted the estate to Emirgûne Han, a distinguished Persian commander who had joined the Ottoman ranks. The name “Emirgan” is derived from his title.

Михаил Денисов

Over the centuries, the estate passed through the hands of notable owners, including Ismail Pasha, who once ruled Egypt and Sudan. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, Ismail Pasha built three striking wooden mansions here. Today, these are known as the Yellow, Pink, and White Pavilions. Once the site of royal gatherings, they have been carefully restored and converted into elegant cafés and event venues, where visitors enjoy views of blossoming gardens and tranquil ponds.

zeki aydın

The park is especially renowned for its April Tulip Festival, a vibrant event that celebrates Istanbul’s long-standing affection for tulips—the symbol of a bygone Ottoman golden era. Each spring, the tulip beds transform Emirgan into a spectacular mosaic, attracting crowds from near and far.

Mehmet ÖZBAY

Beyond its tulips, Emirgan Korusu is home to over one hundred and twenty species of trees and flowers, including towering pines, graceful willows, rare ginkgo trees, and camphor trees. Among rockeries, gentle waterfalls, and two peaceful ponds, swans and turtles thrive, creating a gentle backdrop of birdsong and rustling leaves. Wide paths meander through picnic lawns and shaded playgrounds, with running tracks popular among families and joggers all year round.

Now managed by Istanbul’s municipal authorities, Emirgan Korusu stands as a testament to decades of dedicated conservation and civic pride. Thanks to the ongoing efforts of city leaders, this historic park welcomes everyone, seamlessly blending natural beauty with urban life.

Visitors can enjoy tea in the grand pavilions, relax beside sunlit ponds, or take the perfect photograph overlooking the Bosphorus. During public events and festivals, the park comes alive with live music, art, and celebratory activities. For those seeking a peaceful retreat or a glimpse of Istanbul’s living heritage, Emirgan Korusu is an experience not to be missed.