Audio GuideYıldız Park

Yıldız Park, located in the vibrant Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, is one of the city's largest green spaces, providing welcome relief from the lively pace of urban life. Centuries ago, during Byzantine times, this area was dense woodland. When Istanbul came under Ottoman rule, the land was reserved as royal hunting grounds, giving sultans and their courts a tranquil sanctuary away from the bustle of city life.

Yasser Al-Baghdadi

By the end of the nineteenth century, Yıldız Park had become the heart of the imperial gardens surrounding Yıldız Palace. The palace itself was built so that Ottoman rulers could have a secure and secluded residence, far from the bustling palaces on the Bosphorus. At that time, high walls kept ordinary people out, and only members of the palace were able to wander through its gently rolling hills and flower-adorned lawns.

Gulgun Benek

Over time, and as Istanbul itself changed, the park's role evolved. In the early years of the twentieth century, part of the park was opened to the public. Today, Yıldız Park welcomes everyone, seamlessly blending reminders of imperial grandeur with everyday city life. Grand pavilions such as Çadır, Malta, and Şale, once the setting for banquets and accommodation for palace guests, have been transformed into inviting cafés and elegant restaurants. Their graceful architecture—including arched windows, sweeping staircases, and ornate tiling—offers a glimpse into a more opulent age, while providing a warm atmosphere for present-day visitors.

HASAN KIRMIZI

Wandering through the grounds, visitors encounter clusters of oak, silver lime, magnolia, and horse chestnut trees, alongside rare species gathered from around the world. The park also features small lakes, picturesque bridges, and weathered fountains that display Ottoman craftsmanship. A distinctive feature of the park is its porcelain factory, which still produces ceramics in traditional styles, recalling the days when sultans valued expert craftsmanship.

malaa jazbah

Over the years, from royal possession to state ownership and now municipal administration, Yıldız Park has seen many changes and careful restoration. Today, it stands as a living museum, where the grandeur of Istanbul’s past meets the simple pleasures of picnicking, leisurely strolls, and sharing stories in the shade of ancient trees.