Gülhane Park - Green Istanbul

One other green retreat on the European side of Istanbul is right next to all the sights in the Sultanahmet area. Just down below the Topkapi Palace lays the Gülhane Park. This park is the oldest one in Istanbul, and translates basically to Rosehouse Park.

Gülhane Park

Walkway in Gülhane Park
Being formerly a the Palace garden, a royal retreat in all aspects, the Gülhane Park is nowadays open for everyone who wants some relaxation and green after visiting the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque. Nevertheless it is still located inside the outer walls of the Topkapi Palace.
Next to the beautiful trees and flowers the park features the first statue of Atatürk erected in Turkey (1926), sculpted by Heinrich Krippel and the Goths Column from Roman times. The Goth Column is the oldest standing relic from the Roman era in Istanbul.

If one follows the main walkway, which is lined with giant plane trees on both sides, the reward will be a magnificent view of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The park is especially enchanting in autumn with its colorful trees and during April when it is covered all over with tulips.  Do not miss to visit one of the tiny tea gardens at the top of the hill.


Tulips in Gülhane Park

For all history interested, the Museum of The History of Science and Technology in Islam is located in the former stables of Topkapi Palace, on the western edge of the park. It features 140 replicas of inventions of the 8th to 16th centuries, from astronomy, geography, chemistry, surveying, optics, medicine, architecture, physics and warfare.


Information
Gülhane Park, Cankurtaran Mh., Sultanahmet, Istanbul 
Entry free
Open daily 8am - 8pm


 

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