Audio GuideIhlamur Palace

Nestled between Beşiktaş and Nişantaşı in Istanbul, Ihlamur Kasrı, or the Linden Pavilion, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the refined world of Ottoman royalty from almost two centuries ago. In the shadow of ancient linden and magnolia trees, this former summer palace still holds an air of quiet elegance, shielded from the city’s noise by tall stone walls.

M. R. POLAT

The roots of Ihlamur Kasrı stretch back nearly three centuries. In the early eighteenth century, the land was a celebrated garden called Ihlamur Mesiresi. At that time, it was a retreat favored by Ottoman sultans, especially during hunting trips or as a peaceful place for reflection. The area gained special prominence in the mid-nineteenth century, when Sultan Abdülmecid the First, inspired by European trends of the era, commissioned the talented architect Nigoğos Balyan to create two new pavilions.

Neşet Topaloğlu

Today, these buildings are known as the Merasim Köşkü and the Maiyet Köşkü. The Merasim Köşkü, or Ceremonial Pavilion, dazzles with its grand stone steps, large windows, and detailed baroque carvings. Inside, chandeliers glitter above European furniture and Turkish carpets, while hand-carved decorations and painted ceilings show off a fusion of Western and Ottoman artistry. This pavilion once received royal guests and hosted important celebrations.

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The Maiyet Köşkü sits nearby in the gardens. Simpler and graceful, with a twin staircase and gentle ornamentation, it served as the private quarters for the sultan’s family and companions. Its peaceful rooms, styled with soft colors and delicate patterns, offered a retreat from court life.

Nigoğos Balyan, the architect, was part of a family renowned for shaping Istanbul’s skyline, including the famous Ortaköy Mosque. Here, his work at Ihlamur Kasrı reflects a turning point, mixing European baroque with local traditions, mirroring a time when the Ottoman Empire was embracing new ideas and aesthetics.

Beyond the architecture, the gardens themselves are vital to the story. Among ponds and walking paths, the scent of linden blossoms drifts through the air, echoing centuries-old leisure culture, where both sultans and poets strolled among the trees. During the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, even wrestling and animal contests entertained royalty and their guests here. A notable moment came in the early twentieth century when the kings of Bulgaria and Serbia were welcomed at Ihlamur Kasrı, highlighting its international importance.

After the Ottoman era, the site transformed into a museum and public venue. Today, visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink at the garden café or join special events surrounded by layers of history. Ihlamur Kasrı’s harmonious blend of nature, culture, and art continues to enchant, offering a peaceful escape with a rich imperial past.