Yıldız Park, located in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, has two separate entrances; one on Cıragan Street and the other on Palanga Street. It first became prominent in the early 1600s, when it was known as the Kazancioglu Garden and belonged to the Kazancioglu family. The Ottoman Sultan Murat IV gifted the land to his daughter, Kaya Sultan.
Over the years, various members of the Ottoman Dynasty made changes to Yildiz Royal Garden. Among these were Mihrisah Sultan (the mother of Sultan Selim III), Sultan Mahmud II, Sultan Abdulaziz, and Sultan Abdulhamid Han.
Mihrisah Sultan had the first mansion built in Yıldız Parki because she was captivated by the natural beauty of the unique grove with its magnificent trees and flowers. Sultan Mahmud II later built another mansion.
During the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz Han, the number of pavilions in the park was increased. The most important pavilions were the Cadir, Malta, Sale, Bahcivanbasi, Talimhane, and Acem Kiosks. However, except for the Cadir, Malta, and Sale Kiosks, the others have been demolished.
Sultan Abdulhamit Han moved to Yıldız Palace from Dolmabahce Palace and soon after, he established small pavilions, the Hamidiye Mosque, and various ateliers such as a repair shop, carpenter’s shop, and iron foundry. He also built a military post which could accommodate over 14,000 soldiers and a mansion named Talimhane Kiosk so that the German Emperor Wilhelm II could easily watch the gateway when he visited Istanbul. Sultan Abdulhamit’s own words attest to the park’s value: “gold was used in every square meter of the park,” indicating that the park’s construction was incredibly expensive.
The Malta, Sale, and Cadir Kiosks, which date back to the time of Sultan Abdulhamit, continue to attract visitors with their functions and architectural beauty.
MALTA PAVILION
The Malta Pavilion is located in Yıldız Park on the north side of the wall separating it from the Yıldız Palace. The pavilion takes its name from the conquest of Malta Island, as some sections of the palace were named after places conquered by the Ottoman Empire.
Designed by the renowned architect Sarkis Balyan and his brothers, the Malta Pavilion is a fascinating example of civil architecture. The mansion has four grand entrances, and upon entering, you will find a large hall with a view of the Bosphorus. On the second floor, there are several balconies that offer views of the sea. The hall features a marble-covered pool and a fountain adorned with elegant swan motifs that spout water from their heads.
The hall is flanked by marble columns from floor to ceiling and there are two small rooms and a toilet on the top floor. The wide, round windows allow for unobstructed views of the sea. The enormous doors and high attics are especially decorated with hunting animals, flowers, and figures of fruits and vegetables, symbolizing the pavilion as a hunting and resting spot.
In addition to its architectural features, the Malta Pavilion has also been a witness to many important historical events. For example, Sultan Murat V planned to take over the throne and organized a raid known as the Cıragan Raid in 1878, but he failed. As a result, he was imprisoned by Sultan Abdulhamid in the Malta Pavilion.
After the exile of Sultan Abdulhamid, Yıldız Park and the Malta Pavilion were not used until 1941, when the park was given to the Istanbul Municipality. Following the transfer, the park was opened to the public. The Malta Pavilion has always attracted visitors from many different countries, resulting in international interest and admiration. Since 1997, the pavilion has been operated by the Municipality of Metropol Istanbul and is open to the public as a cafeteria and restaurant. It is also used for events such as engagements, marriage ceremonies, and business organizations.
CADIR PAVILION
The Cadir Pavilion is located on the left side of Yildiz Park and was built by the renowned architect Sarkis Balyan and his brothers for Sultan Abdülaziz.
There is a large pool in front of the pavilion. The single-story pavilion, which heavily utilizes the color dark red, has three sections facing the Bosphorus. In the middle of the section, there is a balcony on four support columns. The door of the balcony, which is ornamented and has a round arch design, includes two windows on either side.
The facade of the Cadir Pavilion facing the pool contains an entrance with two-part stairs, and a door leading to the basement floor is located between the two parts of the stairs.
The Cadir Pavilion, like the other pavilions in Yıldız Palace, is adorned with hunting animals, flowers, and figures of fruits and vegetables, symbolizing the building as a hunting and resting spot. On the top floor of the mansion, there are three rooms, a large hall, a toilet, and a small hall. The ceiling of the large hall is adorned with intricate and fragrant flower bouquets. The edges and corners feature figures and motifs of geese, horses, camels, giraffes, cows, sheep, partridges, and flower baskets. There are also two chimneys, high and wide windows, and doors that reflect the architectural style of the period. These spaces were used by members of the palace as daily trip and resting rooms.
After the exile of Abdulhamid, the pavilion remained unused for a long time. In 1940, it was given to the Istanbul Municipality by the Ministry of Finance. In 1960, a Reform Museum was built there and in 1982, it was operated by the Turing Company.
Since 1997, the mansion has been controlled by the Municipality of Metropolitan Istanbul and is open to the public as a cafeteria and restaurant. It is also used for events such as engagements, marriage ceremonies, and business organizations.
THE IMPORTANT EVENT IN HISTORY OF CADIR PAVILION
An important event in the history of the Cadir Pavilion is that Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II put the people he blamed for the murder of his uncle, Abdulaziz, in prison and interrogated them in the Cadir Pavilion.
SALE PAVILION
The Sale Pavilion, a part of the Yıldız Palace, is one of the most attractive structures of Ottoman architecture. The word “Sale” means “chalet” (dag evi in Turkish). It is known that the pavilion consists of three main constructions built at different times in a garden surrounded by high walls. The first structure was built by the renowned architect Sarkis Balyan in 1880, the second section named Merasim Kiosk was established by D’Aranco in 1889 and the third part was completed in 1898. The last two sections were built specifically for the German Emperor Wilhelm II to stay during his visit to Istanbul.
Built with three floors and a basement, the Sale Pavilion is constructed of wood and stone and features a Harem and Salutation section that reflects the traditional Ottoman house plan. The building, with 60 rooms and 4 salons, displays the influence of Baroque, Rococo, and Islamic art styles in its architecture, such as calligraphic, geometric decorations, and landscape panels.
One of the most striking spaces in the structure is the ceremonial hall, which features a one-piece Hereke carpet that measures 406 square meters and a ceiling adorned with gilded panels. This hall was used for ceremonies during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamit II. The dining hall, also known as the “Sedefli Salon,” features furniture that was produced by Sultan Abdulhamid II at the Tamirhane-i Humayun (Imperial Workshop) in the Yildiz Palace and doors with mother-of-pearl inlay that were moved from the Ciragan Palace.
The Sale Pavilion showcases the blend of Ottoman and European culture with its porcelain stoves, furniture, and gilded and mother-of-pearl ornaments, which are among the outstanding elements of the decoration of the chalet. Today, the pavilion is open to the public as a museum-palace under the jurisdiction of the TBMM (Grand National Assembly of Turkey) and is also used as a conference hall for congresses and seminars.
IN MYTHOLOGY YILDIZ PARK
In mythology, Yıldız Park is said to be the place where Pan, the Greek god of shepherds, played his magnificent flute. In addition to its historical and architectural significance, Yıldız Park is also known for its peacefulness and serenity. Visitors can escape the noise of the city and enjoy the tranquility of the park. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature in an idyllic setting.
Yıldız Park, also known as Yıldız Royal Garden, is an enchanting place that offers visitors a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich history and culture. The park is located in the Besiktas district of Istanbul and has two separate entrances, making it easily accessible for visitors.
One of the most striking features of Yıldız Park is its natural beauty. The park is home to a unique grove of magnificent trees and flowers that captivate visitors with their splendor. The park is also home to a variety of pavilions that were built over the years by members of the Ottoman Dynasty. The Malta, Sale, and Cadir Kiosks, which date back to the time of Sultan Abdulhamit, continue to attract visitors with their functions and architectural beauty.
The Malta Pavilion is particularly interesting to visit, as it was designed by the renowned architect Sarkis Balyan and his brothers. The mansion features four grand entrances, a large hall with a view of the Bosphorus, and several balconies that offer views of the sea. The hall features a marble-covered pool and a fountain adorned with elegant swan motifs that spout water from their heads. The architecture of the Malta Pavilion is a fascinating example of civil architecture and the pavilion’s history adds an extra layer of intrigue for visitors.
Yıldız Park also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Istanbul’s rich history. The park has been a witness to many important historical events and has been used by members of the Ottoman Dynasty for centuries. The park has also been used by the German Emperor Wilhelm II and Sultan Abdulhamit II, adding to the park’s historical significance.
Visiting Yıldız Park is also an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and tranquility. The park offers visitors a quiet and restful space to relax and enjoy nature. The park is also home to a variety of animals, making it a perfect destination for families.
In short, visiting Besiktas Yildiz Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience Istanbul’s rich history and culture, admire the park’s natural beauty, and escape the noise of the city for some peace and tranquility. It is a perfect destination for families, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique and enriching experience in Istanbul. Additionally, the park’s location in the Besiktas district makes it easy to combine a visit to the park with other popular tourist destinations in the area, such as the Bosphorus and Dolmabahce Palace.
If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul and want to make sure you don’t miss out on this beautiful and historically significant park, consider booking a tour with Tour Maker Turkey. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the park’s history, architecture, and culture, and make sure you don’t miss any of the park’s highlights. We will take you to the best places and make sure you have an unforgettable experience.