Gülhane Park — Attraction in Fatih

A peaceful green escape in the heart of historic Istanbul – scenic, soulful, and full of surprises.

Nestled just below the Topkapi Palace, Gülhane Park is one of Istanbul’s oldest and most cherished public parks. Once the private royal garden of the Ottoman sultans, it’s now a tranquil oasis open to all – locals, tourists, families, and tired travellers seeking a breather from the city’s buzz.

As you enter, you’ll notice how quickly the energy shifts: the sounds of traffic fade, replaced by birdsong, the rustling of leaves, and the laughter of children. The long tree-lined promenades are perfect for walking or just sitting and soaking up the scenery. In spring, the tulip gardens are in full bloom – a nod to the Ottoman "Tulip Era" and a spectacular sight if you catch it.

Historical significance: Gülhane isn’t just about greenery – it’s steeped in history. This is where the Tanzimat Edict was proclaimed in 1839, marking a pivotal reform period in Ottoman governance. There’s a small statue commemorating this, along with signs explaining the historical context.

You’ll also find remnants of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras scattered throughout the park – old walls, cisterns, and fountains quietly tucked into corners. For those interested in Ottoman science and learning, the Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam (within the park) is well worth a visit.

Useful tips for visiting:

Getting there: The park has several entrances. The most convenient is through Gülhane Tram Station – it drops you right at the main gate. Alternatively, walk downhill from Topkapi Palace or the Archaeological Museum.

Best times to visit: Early morning (for peaceful walks and morning light) or late afternoon (when the sun filters beautifully through the trees). Avoid weekends if you want a quieter atmosphere.

Food & drink: Bring a picnic or grab something from the small cafés inside – basic snacks and çay are readily available. For something scenic, head to the Setüstü Çay Bahçesi at the park’s edge – it has panoramic views of the Bosphorus and is a local favourite for good reason.

Toilets and facilities: Clean public toilets are available inside, and the walking paths are well maintained. It’s stroller and wheelchair-friendly.

Family friendly: There are playgrounds, open lawns, and plenty of space for children to run around. A welcome break if you're travelling with little ones.

Photography: Come during golden hour – the play of light through the trees and onto the Ottoman pavilions is magical. If you're lucky, you might even spot a squirrel or a peacock (yes, really).

Final thoughts: Gülhane Park is the perfect example of Istanbul’s unique ability to merge history with daily life. You’re wandering in a place where sultans once strolled, where imperial decrees were read aloud, and now where everyday Istanbulites sip tea and students revise for exams under ancient plane trees.

Whether you’re looking for a picnic spot, a peaceful walk, a bit of Ottoman nostalgia, or simply a moment of calm in an otherwise bustling itinerary – Gülhane delivers. It’s not just a park; it’s a living piece of Istanbul’s...

This place, which is a park these days and in the future, was once the garden of the Topkapi Palace, so it was not a green area where anyone would want to go. This was a garden of flowers, but especially of roses.

It was here that the Gulhane-i Hati Hümayun, also known as the Tanzimat Edict, taught in school textbooks, was read, and this is partly the place where the first steps were taken from a monarchy to a republic.

There are different places to see in all four corners of the park. For example, there is the Goths Column in Sarayburnu, the place around the northeast on the map, which is the oldest structure remaining from the Roman Empire. (The fact that the obelisk was brought from Egypt is partly the work of Egypt, not Rome, but we accept it as Roman, and the obelisk is said to have been brought at the end of the 4th century, while the Gothic column is said to be between the 3rd and 4th centuries.)

In the middle of the park, there is a sloppy book made of marble that squirts water as if turning the pages. (I am very adjusted my dear)

This is where Atatürk made the letter revolution, where he showed the Latin letters in front of that famous blackboard, this is Gülhane Park, the garden of the palace.

Again, Atatürk's first bust is in this park. In fact, it is connected to Sarayburnu Park, that is, Sarayburnu, but various sources add it to Gülhane Park. (According to some sources, it is said that the Ataturk statue in the Yellow Mansion in Izmir/Bornova is the first Ataturk bust, 'nowadays, the statue in front of the Aegean University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences building, opposite Bornova Metro.' Actually, no one knows what the curve is.)

There is the Islamic Science and Technology History Museum on one side and the Istanbul Archeology Museum on the other side, which are museums that should be visited and seen.

When you exit the door at the end, you can go up a little ramp and it connects to Sultanahmet Square or Hagia Sophia Square.

It is also a separate event that the park was used as a zoo for a while during its evolution from the garden of the palace to a public area.

Although it is closed now, in addition to the archaeological museum, the tiled mansion museum and the museum of ancient oriental artifacts are also located here.

Although it is not a place to see much, Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Literature Museum Library is in the park.

The tomb of the Islamic science historian Fuat Sezgin lies right in the middle of the park, dazzling with its tombstone.

When you think of tulips, this place should come to mind in Istanbul. There are tulips everywhere. When you go in spring (April), it is a flower festival. The tree-lined path is already the most striking landscape...

Gülhane Park is a historical park located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, adjacent to the famous Topkapı Palace. The park covers an area of approximately 16.5 hectares and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The park is known for its lush greenery, colorful flowers, and peaceful atmosphere. It's a great place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara from certain parts of the park.

Gülhane Park is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Gülhane Park Museum, which is housed in a former imperial pavilion and showcases artifacts related to the Ottoman Empire. The park also features the remains of the Byzantine-era Theodosian Walls, which once surrounded the city of Constantinople.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Gülhane Park is also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as jogging, yoga, and tai chi. There are also several cafes and restaurants throughout the park, offering a range of traditional Turkish and international cuisine.

Overall, Gülhane Park is a serene and peaceful oasis in the heart of Istanbul, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. Its rich history and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Istanbul's past...