SAEDNEWS: Ihlamur Palace: The Ihlamur Palace and Gardens are among the beautiful attractions in Istanbul, located in the heart of the charming Beşiktaş district. Visitors must purchase an entrance ticket costing 5 Turkish lira to access the gardens. Entry to the palace requires a separate ticket costing 15 Turkish lira.
According to Saednews, Ihlamur Palace, also known as the Linden Palace, is a charming summer palace and one of the most beloved Ottoman-era landmarks in Istanbul. Its name comes from the linden trees that once decorated the palace gardens.
The imperial Ihlamur Palace was commissioned during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I and constructed between 1849 and 1855 by the renowned Ottoman-Armenian architect Nigoğayos Balyan. Built along the same architectural tradition as Dolmabahçe Palace, the complex consists of two main pavilions: the Merasim Pavilion, the larger and more elaborate building used for official ceremonies, and the smaller Maiyet Pavilion, which served the Sultan’s court and household.
Today, the Ihlamur Palace complex and its landscaped gardens are among the beautiful historic attractions of Istanbul, located in the heart of the elegant Beşiktaş district.
The simpler Maiyet Pavilion was designed on a smaller scale for the Sultan’s entourage and harem. Both buildings were surrounded by high walls to provide privacy and protect the palace from the noise and bustle of the city. In some sections, wooden fences were also used to enclose the grounds.
Ihlamur Palace beautifully reflects the Ottoman Baroque style, combining traditional Ottoman design with Western influences. The Merasim Pavilion is particularly impressive, featuring an ornate entrance framed by a grand staircase and richly decorated façades.
The architecture combines elements of Ottoman and European styles, including influences from modern Greek and Western architectural traditions. These details create a distinctive atmosphere that reflects Istanbul’s cultural transformation during the 19th century.
The walls are decorated with plasterwork in different shades, creating an elegant appearance reminiscent of marble. The palace grounds also feature a large Baroque-style pool decorated with lion sculptures, adding to the grandeur of the gardens.
Ihlamur Palace is located in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, making it an easy destination to combine with other attractions in central Istanbul.
The former Maiyet Pavilion has since been adapted for visitors and now includes a café and a small garden area where visitors can relax or arrange private gatherings. With its peaceful gardens, ornate architecture, and historical atmosphere, Ihlamur Palace offers a quieter glimpse into Ottoman royal life away from Istanbul’s busiest tourist sites.
