Gülhane Park: A Historical Oasis in the Heart of Istanbul

Amidst the hustle and bustle of vibrant Istanbul, Gülhane Park stands as a peaceful oasis and a silent witness to the city’s history. This is not just any park; it is one of the oldest and most important, with roots that stretch back to the glorious Ottoman Empire.

What we know today as Gülhane Park was, for centuries, the outer garden of the Topkapi Palace, an exclusive space reserved only for the royal family and the court. It wasn’t until 1912 that this paradisiacal corner opened its doors to the public, marking a milestone by becoming Istanbul’s first urban park.

Throughout its history, it has been the setting for crucial events. In 1839, the Edict of Gülhane was proclaimed here, a decree that laid the foundations for the modernization of the Ottoman Empire. Decades later, in 1926, the park hosted another significant moment: the inauguration of the first statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey.

Recent renovations have restored the park’s essence, removing a former zoo to make way for more open spaces. During this process, trees dating back to the 19th century were discovered and restored, allowing the park to regain its natural splendor.

One of the lesser-known, yet fascinating, facets of Gülhane Park’s history is the existence of a zoo within its grounds. For the better part of the 20th century, this corner of the park housed various species, offering Istanbul’s residents the opportunity to see exotic animals in the heart of the city. The zoo was established in the 1950s and was one of the park’s most popular attractions for decades.

Although detailed records about the animals it housed are limited, it is known that its cages contained a variety of species, from lions and tigers to wolves and bears. It was also home to various species of monkeys and a large number of exotic birds, offering a spectacle of the world’s fauna to its visitors. For the children of Istanbul, it was a place of wonder and fun, a striking contrast to the historical and solemn atmosphere that surrounded the park.

However, as part of a major renovation in the early 21st century, the decision was made to close the zoo. The goal was to free up space and restore the park to its original natural appearance. This restoration allowed concrete structures to be removed and open spaces to be reclaimed, even revealing centuries-old trees dating back to the 19th century. Although the zoo no longer exists, its memory remains part of Gülhane’s rich history, a place that has adapted to the times without losing its essence.

The park’s name, which means “rose house,” already hints at its beauty. It’s an ideal place for a relaxing stroll, but also a starting point for exploring Turkey’s history and culture.

Gardens and Nature: Its paths invite you to walk among a great variety of flowers, with special emphasis on tulips, which have a deep cultural significance in the country. The centuries-old trees are a living reminder of its rich history.

Panoramic Views: The terraces of the cafes inside the park offer breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, perfect for enjoying a drink while contemplating the city’s majesty.

The Column of the Goths: One of Istanbul’s oldest relics, this Roman-era column commemorates a victory over the Goths.

Atatürk Statue: The first statue in Turkey dedicated to its founder.

Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam: A fascinating space with replicas of the inventions and discoveries from the golden age of Islamic science.

Istanbul Archaeological Museums: Though outside the park, it’s just a stone’s throw away and a must-see for those who want to delve deeper into the region’s history.

Located in the Eminönü neighborhood, Gülhane Park is situated at the foot of Topkapi Palace and is a short walk from other icons like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Getting there is easy; the T1 tram has a stop with the same name, just a few minutes from the entrance. Entry to the park is free, though some of the indoor attractions may have a fee.

Gülhane Park is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply to admire the beauty of its gardens and immerse yourself in the history of Istanbul.