Located between the neighborhoods of Sirkeci and Sultanahmet in the Fatih district, Gulhane Park (Rose Garden), situated at the foot of the Topkapı Palace, is one of Istanbul’s most parks in Istanbul, attracting both local and foreign tourists with its beautiful gardens, flowers, pools, and recreation areas. The park also houses the fascinating Islamic Science and Technology History Museum, which is one of the world’s unique museums.
“Gulhane” means “home of the rose” in Turkish, and the park is one of Istanbul’s oldest and historical parks. It stands out as an ideal place for those who want to relax under centuries-old trees, read books, escape from the city’s noise, or take a walk on colorful flower-filled paths.
Park History
The history of Gülhane Park dates back to the Byzantine Period, as it is located near the Panagia Hodegetria Chapel and the Hagios Georgies Monastery. During the Byzantine era, the park hosted some military depots and barracks.
In the Ottoman period, it was used to cultivate roses for the Topkapi Palace. After the conquest of Istanbul, the park, used as the outer garden of the Topkapı Palace, became famous for its beautiful rose gardens and took its name from them.
The park, which has hosted many important historical events during the Ottoman period, is also known for the reading of the Tanzimat Edict here. Opened to the public in 1912, the park is also significant as the place where Atatürk introduced the Latin Alphabet and received the title of head teacher. The ceremony for the transfer of Atatürk’s remains from Istanbul to Ankara also took place on the Sarayburnu side of the park.
In 1955, a zoo was built in the park. However, due to maintenance issues, the zoo was relocated.
It is also known that Nazım Hikmet wrote his poem “Walnut Tree” here, mentioning the name of the park in the poem. In 2003, with the arrangements made by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the park was transformed into a green area while preserving its historical texture.
What to See
Located right next to the Topkapı Palace, Gülhane Park offers a large green area in the middle of Istanbul. Covering a vast area, Gülhane Park has impressive gardens, trees, pools, and outdoor cafes with stunning views of the Bosphorus. Benches placed under old and large trees offer visitors a place to sit and rest.
At the entrance of the park, on the right side, there is a section where busts of the city’s mayors and city planners are located. A peaceful path passing through the middle of the park, surrounded by trees on both sides, offers an ideal environment for walking and relaxing.
You can have a rest in one of the outdoor cafes at the park and enjoy the peaceful environment in the company of beautiful gardens, pools and nearby Bosphorus scenery.
the Park Museum
Located in the old Imperial Stables building within Gülhane Park, there is also a museum called the Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam.
This museum offers a unique and fascinating opportunity to observe the evolution of various scientific disciplines during the creative period of Islamic civilization, especially between the 9th and 16th centuries. If you visit Gülhane Park, we highly recommend visiting this museum.
The museum is open every day from 09:00 to 17:00 and accepts museum cards. Continue reading…
Istanbul Tulip Festival (annual, last 3 weeks of April)
Tulips are very important for the Ottoman Empire and Turkish culture. And to celebrate both spring and this fact, this annual festival takes place at the city’s most famous parks, such as the Gulhane Park in Sirkeci, Sultanahmet Square in Sultanahmet, Yildiz Park in Besiktas, Emirgan Park in Emirgan in the European side, and Fethi Pasa Grove and Camlica Hill in Uskudar, Cubuklu Hidiv Grove in Cubuklu and Beykoz Park in Beykoz in the Asian side.
This is a free festival and visitors may enjoy billions of tulips in 120 different types that blossoms in April, as well as several culture and art activities that are organized in the Emirgan Park and Sultanahmet Square. There is also a tulip photo contest and the winners are awarded.
Visiting Hours & Admissions
Opening Hours
Gulhane Park is open to public every day of the week.
Admission
Entrance to Gulhane Park is free of charge.
How to Get to Gulhane Park
Location
You’ll find Gulhane Park nearby the Sirkeci neighborhood of the Fatih district. Situated just on the skirts of Topkapi Palace Museum. See the location map.
Transportation
The most practical way to get to Gulhane Park is via Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line).
- The closest tram stop is Gulhane.
- From Taksim, take the funicular to Kabatas (from taksim Square) or funicular to Karakoy (from Tunel square) and than take the tram.
- If you stay at the Sultanahmet hotels, than you easily walk to the museum.
- You can walk from Eminonu as well.
Contact Details
Address: Cankurtaran Mah., Gulhane, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 520 77 40
