Ihlamur Palace

Ihlamur Valley, located between Beşiktaş, Yıldız and Nişantaşı is known as an excursion area belonging to Hacı Hüseyin Ağa, superintendent of the Navy Yard, and so called as “Hacı Hüseyin Vineyards” in 18th century. Although it was transformed into a “Hasbahçe” (imperial garden) belonging to the sultan during the reign of Sultan Ahmed III (1703-1730), this territory, known as “Hacı Hüseyin Vineyards” until second half of 19th century, took the attention during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid I (1774-1789) and of Sultan Selim III (1789-1807) too. When Sultan Abdulmecid (1839-1861), ascended the Ottoman throne, construction of Ihlamur Pavilions were initiated on the area where Ihlamur Excursion is located. These two buildings, situated within a 24,724 square meters of woodland, bordered by high surrounding walls in patches and by cast fences at some places, have been called sometimes as “Nüzhetiye” and sometimes as “Ihlamur Pavilions” since their construction in 1849-1855. Ceremonial Kiosk, which is the main building, has an impressive architecture at the front face with its staircase carrying Baroque characteristics which reflects the taste of the period and with its interesting and dynamic reliefs. For the interior ornaments of the pavilion consisting of an Entrance Hall and one room at each side, a decoration in compliance with the Western decoration understanding, which was preferred at Ottoman artworks during 19th century, was implemented. A particular integrity was achieved with the furniture and furnishing elements in various European styles. Maiyet Kiosk, used by sultan’s entourage and sometimes by his harem, is a less ornate building with respect to the other one. It exhibits a more traditional schema with its space arrangement which consist of corner rooms opening to a central sofa. The walls of Maiyet Kiosk are covered with stucco which look like marble, in different colours. Ceremonial Kiosk of Ihlamur Pavilions is kept open to visits as a museum-palace and Maiyet Kiosk is organized as a winter cafeteria. The garden of the pavilion, around the Maiyet Kiosk and the garden around the pool at the interior part are also used as a summer cafeteria.

LOCATION

Ihlamurdere Cd, Beşiktaş