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Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city full of things to do, see, and experience. Generally, Istanbul is famous for its historical buildings, beautiful mosques, ancient churches, and amazing Bosphorus. But Istanbul has also vibrant city life and colorful nightlife. In this article, we are going to look at one of the unique places in Istanbul, Kilyos. Kilyos is a seaside town in Istanbul famous for its beautiful beaches, long parties, and beautiful nature. You will be astounded by the vibrant and colorful day-night life in Kilyos which is also a small fishing village.

But before we dig into Kilyos and its beauty, let’s have a look at the best way to discover Istanbul: Istanbul Tourist Pass®. This Pass is created with years of tourism experience and a deep love for this city. You don’t need to worry about what to do and how to get tickets especially if it is your first time in Istanbul. We have gathered the best attractions, experiences, museum entrances, and more and put a single price on them! Especially we are strong with our professional and knowledgeable guides and curated guided tours. Click here to see a complete list of our amazing 100+ attractions and services included in Istanbul Tourist Pass®.

All About Kilyos İstanbul

Kilyos is a lovely coastal village in Istanbul and it is situated on the northern shores of Istanbul, by the Black Sea, in the Sariyer district. Kilyos is around 30 kilometers (around 45 minutes by car) from the city center. The city is well-known for its stunning sandy beaches, restaurants and bars with a view of the Black Sea, summertime entertainment events, music festivals at its high-end beach clubs, and water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Forts and other historical landmarks can be found throughout the village, making them a must-see for anybody looking to venture beyond the nearby beaches. Kilyos is the ideal weekend retreat from the bustle of the city because of its fascinating history and stunning natural surroundings.

On the golden beaches near the settlement of Kilyos, you'll discover a variety of trendy beaches and clubs that hold vibrant summer entertainment for everyone and where pretty much everything goes. A little further out, there are several wilder bays on the Black Sea. However, there are also many peaceful areas where you may tent and get away from the bustle and tension.

Brief History of Kilyos

Kilyos derives from the Greek word Kilya, which means sand. There is also a widely accepted theory that it came from the word Killa, whose original form was Kuwaila and meant good strait. Nonetheless, the meanings of both nouns are appropriate given Kilyos' geographical location. Although Kilyos' name was changed to Kumköy during the Republican era, it is still often used today. Kumköy has also the same meaning; while Kum means sand, köy means village. So from history to the present, the village was always famous for its beautiful sand.

Ancient times marked the beginning of the settlement in Kilyos. It has gained fam eas a little fishing community. Then, under the Roman Empire, it had become better. Due to its geographic position, the area that became part of the Byzantine borders after the fall of the Roman Empire attracted the attention of the marine civilizations in the area. This area had also been ruled by the Genoese for a while.

During the turbulence caused by the Crusades, Kilyos, which came under Ottoman administration, developed into a cosmopolitan settlement hub as the Levantine population increased. Prior to 1930, it was a township that was part of the Catalca district, but it is now a part of the Saryer district.

During the 1970s, when it became more challenging to access the water from the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea shores, Kilyos has grown in significance. The beaches around the Marmara and Bosphorus coasts are closing one by one due to marine pollution, which forces Istanbul inhabitants to hunt for alternative shorelines in the summer. With the establishment of several hotels and restaurants, Kilyos—previously a destination of choice for individuals who want to picnic and go swimming solely on the weekends—has evolved into a destination for all seasons. It is renowned for its expansive beaches with fine sand.

Beach Clubs in Kilyos

Kilyos is very popular in the long summers of Istanbul. There are plenty of great beach clubs in that town. Let’s have look at some of the great beach clubs. But before we look at them, we would love to warn you about the Black Sea. Although you’ll be charmed by the beauty of the sea in summer, we advise you to check the beach rules and be safe at all times. The sea can look calm but the undercurrents are famously dangerous in the Black Sea. So it is wise not to swim open while you are enjoying the beach. Now let’s have a look at the beautiful beaches in Kilyos.

The most Instagrammable of Istanbul's beaches is Uzunya Beach, which has a deep natural harbor on the Black Sea near the mouth of the Bosphorus. If it weren't for the freezing cool of the water, you would mistake this lovely, hidden nook for the Turkish Riviera in the south during the height of summer with its golden dunes and deep blue sea. You may be fortunate enough to see dolphins playing in the bay.

Solar Beach, the most well-known beach club on Istanbul's Black Sea shore, holds live music events every weekend throughout the summer. Visitors may enjoy Solar Beach's games, music, sunshine, sand, and beachside vendors.

The well-known Burç Beach is one of Kilyos' most stunning and well-kept beaches, where black sea waves and golden sand collide. The Boazici University Alumni Association takes great care to keep it up-to-date, making it a favorite spot for tourists who enjoy water sports. It is the perfect location for kiteboarding and windsurfing, two activities that are highly addictive. A hub for summertime activities with something for everyone is Burç Beach. You may pass the day drinking at one of the beachside pubs or participating in a variety of entertaining activities including volleyball, kite flying, swimming, and much more.

Despite the fact that the sea is calmer here than in many other surrounding locations, swimming is not high on the list of local attractions. You may play basketball, football, or beach volleyball. Try your hand at windsurfing or jet skiing as a water activity, and test the waves. Maybe you might just take advantage of the sun during the day and go to the well-known beach clubs at dawn. Here, there are also sporting activities and musical concerts. There are nearby outdoor pools where you may unwind if you truly want to go swimming.

What to Do and to See in Kilyos

Istanbul residents go to Kilyos, a well-known coastal resort, to eat a fish, picnic, swim, take long walks on its extensive beaches, and spend a little time alone in adventure coves. The town is always appealing, regardless of whether it is winter or summer. For the meat barbecue or fish on the tile offered by the local rural eateries, the Kilyos road is also worth a trip. The Kilyos Castle, the Historical Plane Tree, and the picturesque Kilyos center are the top attractions in this beautiful village.

Together with Kilyos Castle, the village is home to three water scales that are considered to date back to the Genoese era, the Stone Pier, which is still in use today by fishermen, as well as the boathouse and rescue structures.

The Kilyos Castle was constructed by the Byzantines in the 4th and 5th centuries for defense purposes during the Eastern Roman Empire. The Genoese captured the fortress and resided here for a long time at the time when the Byzantines lost their power. Sultan Abdulhamid I and Sultan II renovated the fortress later on. Two times during the Sultan Mahmut era it was repaired and a water system was installed to collect rainwater to fill the cisterns in the middle of the castle.

The castle went through many different battles. The British supplied guns to the castle that were used by the Russians in 1833 and by Turkish and British forces in 1841. These cannons are currently on display in the arena of the castle. Worth seeing the historical weapons to understand the value of peace today. The Castle also served as a hospital during the Crimean War, and combat-related injuries were treated here.

The 28-meter-tall and 34-meter-wide monumental plane tree, a kind of historic tree, is one of the suggested things to see when you visit Kilyos. It is more than 500 years old and it is said to have been planted as a monument to honor Istanbul's conquest in 1453. Visitors frequently snap several photographs there. A great place for your Instagram posts!

FAQ

How do I get to Kilyos?

You can rent a car or take a taxi to get to Kilyos. Keep in mind that parking can be a problem on weekends. The best way to get to Kilyos by public transportation is using the M2 metro line and then taking a bus. The last station of the M2 is Hacıosman Station. After getting off the metro, you can take the bus with the number 151 to bring you to Demirciköy. Many beach clubs have their own shuttle buses also from Haciosman.

Is Kilyos worth seeing?

Kilyos is a beautiful fishing town with many beautiful beach clubs. If you love to enjoy a summer day in a beach club, then it is a great place to be in.

Is Kilyos expensive?

Kilyos can be a little expensive for you if you are on a budget. But because of the currency difference, it is pretty affordable if you think of other European beach villages.

Istanbul is famous for its magnificent beauty and historical places. But if you drive a little away from the city center, you may come across also towns and villages with amazingly beautiful nature in Istanbul. In this article, we will have a look at one of the most popular small towns in Istanbul: Polonezkoy.

Before we dig into the beautiful Polonezkoy, let’s have a look at the Istanbul Tourist Pass® which is created with long years of expertise and deep love for the city. There are more than 100+ attractions, experiences, guided tours, day trips, and more in Istanbul Tourist Pass®. For you to save time and money, we have gathered the best things to do for you and put a single price on them! Read the comments of previous customers, compare prices, and buy your pass today. Istanbul is waiting for you, don’t let it stand anymore!

About Polonezkoy Istanbul

You may experience both heavenly nature and culture in this special patch of paradise, Istanbul's back garden, for breathing outside the city in the company of nature and birds' chirps… Polonezkoy, formerly known as Adampol, is a charming Polish village that you should see while you're in Istanbul. It's situated in a natural park and protected region on the Asian side of Istanbul, around 25 kilometers from the city center.

Polonezkoy, which translates to "the village of the Poles," is a charming village that stands out as a Polish settlement inside Turkish territory. It is situated in Istanbul's Beykoz neighborhood on the Asian side. Adampol was the village's previous name. Prince Adam Czartoryski, who was living in exile following the 1830 Polish uprising and served as both the leader of a political emigration party and the chairman of the national uprising government, created the settlement in 1842.

Interesting facts about Polonezkoy's past include the fact that actually the village was formed after Poland was conquered by its neighbors Russia, Austria, and Prussia in 1775. Polish people came here and settled with the assistance of the Ottoman Empire. So long before even the name Adampol exist, there were Polish people living in the area.

With its culture, it nevertheless retains the appearance of a Polish village today. The village, which offers a variety of tourist attractions, is usually chosen by city dwellers who want to avoid the weekend crowds. Generally speaking, Polonezköy's mild climate begins in June and lasts all summer long.

Today, Polonezkoy is now one of the most popular locations in Istanbul for exciting weekend getaways, day trips, cycling, picnics, barbecues, dinners at high-end restaurants, weddings, and numerous parties.

What to Do in Polonezkoy

This distinctive town has grown to be one of the most sought-after getaways from Istanbul due to its reputation for conserving the surrounding greenery and ecology. Weekends see a large inflow of locals visiting the village to enjoy its top-notch hotels, pensions, restaurants, gardens, barbecues, village breakfasts, etc.

Polonezkoy is a celestial place, a unique village with success in protecting its green nature and environment around Istanbul. Even on the way to the village, traveling via a green woodland road, you’ll sense the peaceful surroundings. The village itself is a location where you may have respect for nature, and feel free from the crowd and noise of Istanbul.

The Mother Mary Church and the Catholic Polish Cemetery welcome you as you enter the village. Around 100 meters ahead, you’ll get to the village’s charming tiny plaza. The plazas serve as the central points of small towns, this is not an exception. Enjoy the daily life of a small village while you can, shop from local shops, and eat ice cream.

The most well-known tourist attractions in Polonezkoy include the House of the Memory of Zofia Ryży, where local history and old photographs are displayed, the historic Czestochowa's Mother Mary Church, which was constructed between 1900 and 1914, the Polish Cemetery, which also contains the tomb of Mehmet Sadik Pasha's wife, the residence where Ataturk (the founder of the Turkish Republic) stayed during his visit to the village, culture house, or the outdoor wooden arts exhibition.

The Polonezkoy open-air wood exhibition is a beautiful venue that should be included in the itinerary of things to visit in the hamlet. Wood and carved artwork came together to make a special and lovely display. One of the best places to see in Polonezkoy.

Here, in a green setting, you can relax and enjoy the various illustrations that have been painted on the trees. The wooden arts items are really fantastic and worth a visit and see. On the banks that run along the garden next to the exhibit space, you can also take a nap. The tree-carved sculpture display by art enthusiasts is worth viewing in the grassy space in front of the Cultural House, immediately beyond the town square.

Enjoy the Nature in Polonezkoy

You’ll discover a range of wonderful things to select from in Polonezkoy, from thrilling weekend vacations, and day trips, to nature, walks, cycling, picnics, BBQ, meals in opulent and quality restaurants, weddings, and other celebrations.

In Polonezkoy, start the day with a hearty village breakfast or brunch in this wonderful nature, then you can have a rest in hammocks or cushions in the gorgeous gardens, and then you can continue the day with a nature walk, trek, or bike trip.

When you need a break, you can take a nap, relax, rest, eat, and drink in the charming cafes and restaurants that offer delectable and unique alternatives, go on a picnic or have a barbecue in the gardens, or treat yourself to local cakes, donuts, and desserts at tea time. You may also visit the local businesses for souvenirs.

If you won’t want to travel back to Istanbul at the end of the day, you can stay at the range of charming hotels and pensions in the village and enjoy a wonderful stay in nature. There are plenty of options for you to stay.

Time to Go Back to Istanbul

After a great nature retreat, let’s go back to Istanbul, the city of the cities! For you to have the best experience in Istanbul, we have created Istanbul Tourist Pass® for your needs! This Pass is beyond a regular sightseeing pass but it includes many services and offers within great attractions, experiences, museum entrances, and more.

Istanbul Tourist Pass® is the first and most reliable tourist card in the city! Remarkably the Pass comprises more than 100+ attractions all of which are carefully picked for you to get the finest experience. You don't need to bother about finding tickets or conducting any online research to find things to visit. We already handpicked the best for you and put a single price on them!

FAQ

Is Polonezkoy worth visiting?

Polonezkoy is a small town in Istanbul. Polonezkoy has many popular attractions, including Polonezkoy Zoo, Polish houses, and Polonezkoy Nature Park, making this village well worth a visit.

How can I go to Polonezkoy from Istanbul?

The best way to go to Polonezkoy is by renting a car. Unfortunately, there are not many options to go there by public transportation vehicles. There is a public bus you can use, the bus number is 137 Kavacık -Beykoz-Riva-Cumhuriyet Köyü. To get that bus you first must go to Beykoz. After getting off, there is a 5km walk or you can take a taxi.

How is the weather in Polonezkoy?

Polonezkoy is a part of Istanbul so it is not so different from the other coastal areas in Istanbul. Since it is inside a forestal area and a little higher up, it is generally a little colder than Istanbul. Check here for the climate information about Istanbul for details.

Istanbul has many amazing places to see and great things to experience. If it is your first time in Istanbul you may think that it is a great city with historical places and many of these places are in the old town area. But it is not completely true. Actually, Istanbul is a colorful metropolitan with an amazing history and vibrant city life. Especially the nightlife of Istanbul can surprise you but for this article, we will be looking at one of the most beautiful parks of Istanbul yet a new one: Nakkastepe National Garden.

As we said, there are many amazing things to do in Istanbul but for you to not get lost in finding these attractions, we carefully handpicked 100+ of them including museum entrances, guided tours, and adventure parks, and put a single price on them! Istanbul Tourist Pass® is the first and most comprehensive tourist card in Istanbul. It is backed by an experienced and reliable tourism company, so you will feel greatly covered! For the sake of this article, it is important to note that the entrance to Nakkastepe Extreme Adventure Park is also FREE with Istanbul Tourist Pass®! We will mention this adventure park below.

A Day in Nature in Istanbul

There is so much to do in Istanbul, yes, but what about relaxing in an old, populated park with views of the Bosphorus that is surrounded by lush greenery? Nakkashtepe National Garden has an area of around 90,000 square meters and provides visitors with the chance to enjoy themselves and take pictures with an amazing Bosphorus view.

Istanbul's first national garden, Nakkastepe, is situated on the outskirts of Uskudar Kuzguncuk on the Asian side of Istanbul. The title ‘national garden’ means a park with free entrance, so there is no fee to get in. The park, which is situated on the slopes of the Bosphorus, is beautiful to look at and tranquilizing to be in. Many gatherings, concerts, and events have taken place there since it first opened. The region's scenery and natural beauty will gratify visitors. Photographers for social media also visit it for great instagrammable photos. With its landscape aspect, you can compare it with Camlica Hill.

What is in Nakkastepe Park?

Here are some details for you: In the 90.000 square meters area, there is a recreational area with a Bosphorus view of 50 thousand square meters. The area includes picnic areas, hiking routes, an adventure park we will be mentioning later, a fitness area, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor children's playgrounds, and scenery terraces you can take amazing pictures. There is also a nice pond and a waterfall.

There are also other interesting places in the park, like a flying path you can have a walk all around the park, it is exciting. There is also a beautiful wooden bridge you can cross, an amp theater in which many events take place, and a plant display area, especially for botanic lovers.

The Inventor House (Nature Explorer's Workshop) is a great place for children to discover their inventor side in the playgrounds inside. If you’d like to pray during your time there, there are also masjids for Muslims to pray comfortably, separate for women and men.

In Nakkastepe Park, all-natural materials were utilized. Functionality and simplicity are priorities. Wooden resources were used to build bridges, game group components, adventure tracks, sporting goods, and even curbs and elevations. The project is also supported by the playground surface and the walking trails.

Large trees in the vicinity provided support for the design. Featuring picnic sites, hiking trails, and walking paths, this portion of the park gives you the impression that you are strolling through a forest where you have been going for a long time. This season, all you have to do is remove your pocket from the buffet and spend time in nature.

There is an adventure park called OKKO Extereme in which there are amazing things for people of all ages. This is a great place if you want some adventure and physical activity! In this area, there are carefully prepared parkours in which you can challenge yourself and your physical condition will push you to move fast and will make you have fun while you try to get to the finish line! There are also climbing walls that will make you have so much fun while you try to climb up with your whole body! And, the most popular thing in this area is Zippline which will make you fly above the amazing Bosphorus and give you a perfect adrenaline rush!

What to Do in Nakkastepe Park?

There are many things to do in Nakkastepe. You can take a picnic there and you don’t need to take food and drinks with you. You can buy everything you need in the cafes in the park. You can just sit in the picnic areas and enjoy your time with an amazing view. You can also hike or run in the park,, and also enjoy free fitness tools in the park.

Let’s have a look at a special area in Nakkastepe now. If you enjoy adventure and physical activities, check out Extreme Adventure Park Nakkastepe! Extreme Adventure Park Nakkastepe is a theme park located in this great park in which you can enjoy both the attractions and the great view of the beautiful Bosphorus. There are meticulously crafted parkours that you can use to test your physical prowess. You'll have to move quickly and have fun while attempting to complete these parkour challenges! There are climbing walls as well, and trying to climb them with your entire body will be so much fun! You'll experience mountain climbing feelings!

One of the best things to do in Nakkastepe is the zipline. A pulley and a rider's harness are fastened to a wire stretched over an inclination to make up a zipline. A zipline's inclination makes it possible for the rider to be drawn along the line by gravity. Although at first ziplines were employed for transportation in some places, they are now a well-liked amusement instrument that combines excitement and fun. With Zippline in Nakkastepe, you may experience the ultimate exhilaration as you soar above the magnificent Bosphorus! With its 250-meter steel rope that is 12 mm thick and has a carrying capacity of over 17 tons, Zippline adds exhilaration to this incredible environment! At an 80kmph pace, you will be "flying" through this rope!

The nicest part about all of these experiences is that they are absolutely secure. You will be prepared to enjoy a wonderful adrenaline rush in total safety with a skilled provider and personnel! The Park creates spaces with the necessary international safety and security certificates for all age groups, including kids, young people, and seniors. The Park management continually conducts audits to ensure that not even the slightest item is in danger to the user or provider safety. All staff receives specialized training, and they receive ongoing instruction in customer satisfaction and safety.

How to Get to Nakkastepe Park

Nakkastepe is in the Kuzguncuk neighborhood in Uskudar on the Asian side of Istanbul. The best way to get to Nakkastepe is by car, so if you rent a car you can easily go there. There is a parking lot with a small fee.

You can also use the subway and buses to go there. You can get Üsküdar – Çekmeköy metro (M4) and get off baglarbasi station. Then you can take a 15-minute walk. There are many buses from Uskudar also. Look for buses to go to Kuzguncuk, you can see the signs on the buses easily.

FAQ

In which district of Istanbul is Nakkaştepe?

Nakkastepe Park is located in the Kuzguncuk neighborhood in the Uskudar district. Uskudar is on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Is there an entrance fee for Nakkaştepe?

Entrance to Nakkastepe Park is free but if you go there by car, there is a small parking fee for your car.

What is in Nakkaştepe?

There is a huge park on Nakkastepe in which there are many playgrounds, sports areas, event areas, and an adventure park.

Is it allowed to make bbq in Nakkastepe?

No, you can have a picnic with prepared food in Nakkastepe Park but it is not allowed to barbecue there.

Istanbul has an amazingly rich history. There are many historical and natural wonders all around Istanbul, and Ihlamur Pavilion (Ihlamur Kasri) is one of them! Ihlamur means linden in Turkish. This is a place with a beautiful garden full of linden trees and it smells great, especially in Spring. So if you are in Istanbul in Spring, Ihlamur Kasri is a must-see and must-enjoy place. In this article, we are looking at closely this beautiful mansion, but before that let us share a great way to save time and money in your Istanbul journey.

Istanbul Tourist Pass® is the first and most reliable tourist card in the city! Amazingly the Pass includes more than 100+ attractions all of which are carefully selected for you to have the best experience. You don’t need to make research on the internet for things to see and to worry about getting tickets. We already handpicked the best for you and put a single price on them! So you are covered. Click here for a complete list of attractions, guided tours, experiences, and more. Now let’s have look at the Ihlamur Pavilion.

History of the Ihlamur Valley

Between the hills of Beşiktaş, Yildiz, and Nişantaşi, there was the Ihlamur Valley with all its beauty. According to historical sources, it was a popular destination for country outings from the 18th century until the early 20th century. The valley's Fulya stream was shaded by plane and linden trees.

Haci Hüseyin Agha, the imperial dockyard's administrator during Sultan Ahmed III's reign, owned the lower portion of the valley, which now contains the Ihlamur Pavilions. Subsequently, it came into state ownership and was designed as an imperial garden. Sultan Selim III and Sultan Mahmud II participated in shooting competitions with other archers close to the Yildiz area, according to some archery stones honoring distance shooting records in the upper portion of the valley. The distances, locations, and dates of the sultans' shoots at targets made up of water jugs are written on these stones. The third section of the valley was planted and terraced to create the "Conversation Garden" during Sultan Abdülmecid's rule.

Ihlamur Pavilion and Nüzhetiye

Sultan Abdülmecid authorized Karabet Balyan, one of the most renowned architects of the time and the palace foreman, to construct the first buildings which later become Ihlamur Pavillions. German gardeners employed at the Dolmabahçe Palace completed the landscaping during the construction phase, which lasted from 1849 to 1855.

The name "Nüzhetiye," which means "freshness, gladness, and happiness," was thought by Sultan Abdülmecid to be appropriate for the area where the Ihlamur Pavilions are situated. Sultan Abdülmecid's official works and ceremonies take place at the Ceremony Pavilion, which is one of two buildings that make up the Ihlamur Pavilions. The Retinue Pavilion is used by Sultan's entourage and harem on occasion.

The Ceremony Pavilion is visually arresting and elaborate. The two-armed staircase in front of the house, the mansion's façade, the furnishings, and the decorations in the rooms on each side of the entrance hall all exhibit elements of baroque architecture. Today, it is possible to see the Ceremony Pavilion as a museum. It is bordered by cut stone and ornamented primarily with marble. Today as we mention these two buildings we only say Ihlamur Pavilion like it is only one building, so don’t be confused, we talk about the complex itself.

The French poet Lamartine stayed at Ihlamur Pavilions in 1846 as a guest of the Sultan. In his memoirs, he described Ihlamur and its environs as follows: “The building faces a garden with beautiful chestnut trees and big linden trees from which the valley took its name. In front of the three-stepped stairs of the pavilion, there is a small fountain shorter than the branches of jasmine whose water falls into the marble pool with a sweet gurgle. Ihlamur is Sultan’s favorite pavilion, where he rests and meditates.”

The imperial garden served as the site of numerous shows and wrestling events during Sultan Abdülaziz's rule. Subsequent sultans and their families continued to frequent this location.

Ihlamur Pavillion in the Republican Era

After the Turkish Republic was established in 1923, the Pavillion became state property and opened to the public. The Tanzimat (Reorganization) Museum was housed in the Ihlamur Pavilions, which the Turkish Grand National Assembly gave to the Istanbul Municipality in 1951.

After being given to National Palaces in 1966, the Ihlamur Pavilions underwent landscape work before being opened to the public as a museum in 1985 with its original furnishings. The buildings, which were opened to visitors as a museum palace in 1985, reached their present appearance when the restoration works were completed in 1987. Today it is right in the Besiktas and opens for visitors every day of the week except Mondays. It has a nice cafe inside, a beautiful pond and a great garden.

Buildings of Ihlamur Pavillion

There are two main buildings in Ihlamur Pavilion: Retaine and Ceremonial Pavilions. The Sultan's family and entourage were housed in the Retaine Pavilion, while the Ceremonial Pavilion served as his office and as a venue for banquets. The pavilions were mostly utilized by the sultans for day getaways and to host visiting dignitaries.

The Ceremony Pavilion is visually arresting and elaborate. The two-armed staircase in front of the house, the mansion's façade, the furnishings, and the decorations in the rooms on each side of the entrance hall all exhibit elements of baroque architecture. Today, it is possible to see the Ceremony Pavilion as a museum. It is bordered by cut stone and ornamented primarily with marble.

With its entry hall and two chambers on either side of the hall, the baroque-styled staircase at the façade, and its magnificent relief decoration, the Ceremonial Pavilion is a stunning piece of architecture. The pavilion's interior is decorated in a Western style, which was favored in Ottoman palaces throughout the 19th century. European furniture and decor in a variety of styles go well with the decoration.

On the other side, the Retinue Pavilion has a classic architecture with a space that resembles a hall and rooms at the corners. Its walls were covered in a variety of colors of stucco work that mimicked marble. The two-armed staircase in the Retinue Pavilion is comparable to the one in the Ceremony Pavilion, but it was created in a more straightforward and conventional manner. Four identically sized rooms circle the upstairs hall. These rooms' walls are covered in stucco of various colors. The Retinue Pavilion's garden now serves as a place to relax.

Visiting Ihlamur Pavilion

Ihlamur Pavilion is located in central Besiktas. You can reach the Pavilion after a 15-minute nice walk from Besiktas Ferry Station through the colorful and vibrant streets of Besiktas. Ihlamur Pavilion is open every day except Mondays from 9 AM to 6 PM. ıt is a great place to take a break from city life and enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee in its amazing garden.

FAQ

What is the story of the Ihlamur Pavilion?

Ihlamur was Sultan's favorite mansion; Here he rests and contemplates.” Instead of this modest vineyard mansion before here, Sultan Abdülmecid had two pavilions built between 1849 and 1855 and named the neighborhood "Nüzhetiye", which means "freshness, freshness, and joy".

Why was the Ihlamur Pavilion built?

The area where once the vineyards were located was preserved as the sultan's garden and a wooden pavilion was built there for the sultans to relax. It was a place to rest in nature for a long time for sultans and their guests.

Who lived in the Ihlamur Pavilion?

Ihlamur Pavilion was not a residential palace for sultans but instead a place to relax and host valued guests.

In which district is Ihlamur Pavilion?

Ihlamur Pavilion is in Besiktas.

How much is the Ihlamur Pavilion?

By 2023, the entrance is 60 TL to Ihlamur Pavilion. You can see the museum and enjoy the cafe inside.

Istanbul is full of history and the most significant structures of this rich past are its beautiful places. Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the few remaining Ottoman imperial palaces on Istanbul's Asian side, continues to draw tens of thousands of tourists each year with its exquisite architecture and lush grounds. Be sure to visit this magnificent Ottoman structure during your trip to Istanbul even if it is less well-known than some other more well-known Ottoman palaces. Here is everything you should know about this location if you want to do so.

But before we dig into this amazing place, let’s have a look at Istanbul Tourist Pass®, the first and most comprehensive tourist card in Istanbul. The Pass has 100+ attractions, experiences, museum entrances, guided tours, services, and more all over Istanbul. Having Istanbul Tourist Pass® will definitely make you save time and money during your Istanbul journey, so why wait? 

Amazing History of Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace is a palace full of history. Sultans and foreign visitors spent time in this beautiful place. Let’s have look at the long history of this must-see palace.

The first palace in the area was built by Sultan Mahmud II in the year 1829, but this wooden palace experienced a fire in 1851 while Sultan Abdulmecid was inside the palace. Though it wasn’t completely destroyed, the next emperor, Sultan Abdülaziz, thought that there was a need for a sturdier palace in this area, so he took down the previous wooden palace and built the Beylerbeyi Palace (which means “Lord of the Lords”) between the years 1863 – 1865 we know today. It was designed by the Armenian architect Sarkis Balyan.

Sultan Abdülaziz ordered the construction of the Beylerbeyi Palace, which some have compared to a scaled-down Dolmabahce Palace sans the people. It would have been a substantial summer residence with 24 rooms, 6 halls, and a hamam, and it was also used to host distinguished guests.

Beylerbeyi Palace was mostly used to host foreign visitors, but many sultans also spent the summer here. The Palace's stunning gardens, pool, and sculpture collection frequently left important foreign statesmen in awe. In the last years of the Ottoman Empire, also saw a few important historical occurrences. After Sultan Abdulhamid II was overthrown in 1909, shortly after the Young Turk Revolt, he was imprisoned here. Here, he also passed away.

After Sultan Abdulhamid II, Sultan Mehmed Resad V hosted a feast in the palace's gardens to honor the parliamentary system. After the Republic of Turkey was established, Beylerbeyi Palace continued to receive distinguished visitors from various nations. Reza Shah Pahlavi, the second-to-last shah of the Iranian monarchy, is the most renowned of these. Reza Shah Pahlavi was hosted by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in the Beylerbeyi Palace in 1934. Balkan Games were also held at this palace in 1936.

What is inside Beylerbeyi Palace?

Beylerbeyi Palace, like all the other Ottoman imperial palaces, is unquestionably one of the most opulent historical sites in Turkey. The materials used to build it are rare and expensive, and both the outside and inside feature incredible levels of detail.

The palace exhibits traditional Ottoman architecture in addition to having obvious neoclassical, baroque, and Renaissance influences. Beylerbeyi Palace is quite little when compared to the other imperial palaces in Istanbul, yet that does not mean it is small in general. It contains six halls and 24 rooms. The majority of the floors were made of unique mats that were imported from Egypt. The castle is decorated with numerous enormous crystal chandeliers, custom clocks, and items made of Far Eastern porcelain.

One of the palace's most striking characteristics is the decorations on the ceiling. Sultan Abdulaziz personally participated in the development of these lovely decorations because he had a keen interest in painting. To construct these elaborate embellishments, he also imported painters from Europe and engaged professional calligraphers. The epitaphs found in the palace were also created by Abdulfettah Efendi, one of the most well-known calligraphers of the time. On the ceilings, there are numerous paintings about the navy and the natural world.

You may take a stroll around some of Istanbul's most pleasant gardens right outside the palace. While smaller than those of its competitors, Beylerbeyi Palace's gardens have a lot of pools, trees, and many kinds of plants. Others were used to raise fruits and vegetables, while some gardens were designed for strolling and relaxation. Also, you can see that the upper portions of these sets have been converted into designated areas for lions, gazelles, bunnies, and birds.

The other palace complex structures are located inside the grounds. The Deniz Pavillion is the first of them. The complex has two Deniz Pavillion, one in the Harem section and the other in the Mabeyn section. As implied by their name, they are close to the Bosphorus. They were also known as "Cadir Pavillion" because of the tent-like appearance of their roofs. Valide Sultan was given the one in the Harem section. The Marble Pavillion, which has lakes and fountains within, was constructed for Sultan Mahmud II to use for hunting. The Yellow Pavillion, which is close to the Marble Pavillion, is said to be designed for relaxation. Its name derives from the light-yellow external stone, and the ceiling is embellished with ornamentation. Since they are all close to the Beykoz shores, the palace and these exterior portions of it appear even better from a Bosphorus boat.

Visiting Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace is situated adjacent to the Bosphorus Bridge, sometimes referred to as the First Bridge, in the Uskudar neighborhood on the Asian side. You can board one of the several ferries to Uskudar from Eminonu, Kabatas, or Besiktas on the European side. After that, you can board one of the IETT buses—the 15, 15Y, 15U, 15R, 15P, and 15S coded buses—that travel to the Beylerbeyi neighborhood. Take one of the metrobuses with the 34A, 34AS, 34G, or 34Z code and get off at the 15 Temmuz Sehitler Koprusu stop if you wish to view the Bosphorus from the 15 Temmuz Sehitler Bridge. From the stop, it will take 10 minutes to go to the palace.

You still have a variety of transit alternatives if you are already on the Asian side. Take the 14M and 15F classified buses from Kadikoy to the Beylerbeyi area. Use the Kadikoy – Tavsantepe metro to get to the Kadikoy stop from areas farther to the east, such as Kartal, Maltepe, and Pendik, and then change to the 14M and 15F as usual.

Don’t forget to get your Unlimited Public Transportation Card before you start your journey. This card, also known Istanbul City Card, is a prepaid public transportation card that gives you unlimited access to public transportation for the number of days you choose. It is valid in every public transportation vehicle including metro, trams, buses, metrobuses, and ferries. It is a beautifully designed physical card delivered at your hotel by Istanbul Tourist Pass® and after using it, you can keep it as a souvenir. Don’t miss the up to 40% advantage in buying with Istanbul Tourist Pass®!

Admission and Opening Hours of Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace is governed by the National Palaces Administration. Beylerbeyi Palace is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, the same hours as all other national palaces, residences, and kiosks, and it is closed on Mondays. The ticket price for Foreign Visitors is 200 TL.

FAQ

What is the history of Beylerbeyi Palace?

Sultan Abdülaziz ordered the construction of Beylerbeyi Palace, which was completed between 1861 and 1865, as a summer palace and venue for hosting foreign dignitaries.

Who lived in Beylerbeyi Palace?

After being deposed, Sultan Abdülhamid II spent his final six years in Beylerbeyi Palace, where he passed away in 1918. The palace's interior, which blends Western and Eastern design elements, exhibits certain typical Turkish house traits.

How to get to Beylerbeyi Palace from Sultanahmet?

The ferry, which travels in 30 minutes, is the fastest method to get from Sultanahmet to Beylerbeyi without a car. With transfers, the boat ride from Eminönü to Beylerbeyi takes 30 minutes and leaves four times per day.

Is Beylerbeyi Palace open every day?

Beylerbeyi Palace is open every day except Mondays.

Is it free to visit Beylerbeyi Palace?

No, there is a 200 TL admission fee to Beylerbeyi Palace by the first half of 2024.