Emirgan Park is located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, and has witnessed all the major political events of the 17th century.

Most tourists know Istanbul for its historical monuments and shopping centers. However, beyond the well-known attractions, there are other interesting places to visit in this vibrant metropolis. One of them is Emirgan Park.

Emirgan Park is one of the oldest parks in the city and has a rich history behind it. In April, during the Tulip Festival, the park turns into a piece of paradise. If you are in Istanbul during this time, make sure to visit it.

Get to Know Emirgan Park, Istanbul

Introduction to Emirgan Park, Istanbul

Emirgan Park is a historic park located beside the Bosphorus Strait. It is famous for its large collection of tulips. Every April, during the Istanbul Tulip Festival, the park is filled with colorful tulips.

The park spans an area of over 404,686 square meters and contains a wide variety of plant species. Inside the park, there is a playground, walking paths, several gazebos, and a decorative pond.

Where is Emirgan Park Located?

Emirgan Park is situated in the suburban neighborhood of Emirgan. The best way to reach the park is by public buses. Some of the routes include:

• Bus lines 40, 40T, and 42T from Taksim
• Bus lines 22, 22RE, and 25E from Kabataş (accessible via tram line T1)
• Bus line 40B from Beşiktaş

History of Emirgan Park

The history of Emirgan Park dates back to the mid-16th century when the land was gifted to Grand Vizier Nişancı Feridun Bey. In the 17th century, Sultan Murad IV granted the estate to a commander of the Safavid Empire who had surrendered his fortress without resistance to the Ottomans.

Around 1860, the owner of the park was Khedive Ismail Pasha, the Ottoman governor of Egypt and Sudan. He built three wooden pavilions in the park, which still stand today. Over the years, the park changed ownership multiple times until it was transferred to the city of Istanbul in the 1940s.

In the late 1970s, the Yellow, Pink, and White Pavilions were renovated, and the park was opened to the public. These pavilions, with their beautiful architecture, are among the top attractions in Istanbul.

The Yellow Pavilion

The Yellow Pavilion is a large wooden mansion overlooking the Bosphorus, located in the center of the park. It features traditional Ottoman architectural elements and a beautifully decorated interior. Originally used as a guesthouse, it is a two-story building on a 400-square-meter plot. It includes a balcony, a terrace, and a basement. The first floor has four rooms, a hall, and a kitchen; the upper floor has three rooms and a salon. The ornate ceilings and walls were designed by court architect Sarkis Balyan, featuring oil-painted floral motifs and intricate wood carvings. The doors and windows, painted in light colors, add to its charm. A pond is located to the northeast of the pavilion.

The Pink Pavilion

The Pink Pavilion is an Ottoman-style house often used for weddings and other events. It is a two-story building, beautifully decorated and rich in historical elegance. Nowadays, it serves as a café on weekends. Like the Yellow Pavilion, it can be rented to host guests.

The White Pavilion

The White Pavilion, located near the Yellow Pavilion (just 150 meters away), is the third pavilion in Emirgan Park. Built in a Neoclassical style from wood, this two-story building now serves as a café and restaurant.

Additional Information

• Emirgan Park is open every day.
• Admission is free, but parking inside the park requires a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Emirgan Park?
It is located in the Emirgan neighborhood of Istanbul, near the Bosphorus.

When do the tulips bloom in Emirgan Park?
Tulips bloom in April, during the Istanbul Tulip Festival.

What are the highlights of Emirgan Park?
The park is known for its tulip gardens, historical pavilions (Yellow, Pink, and White), walking paths, and serene landscape.

Is there an entrance fee for visiting Emirgan Park?
No, visiting the park is free of charge.

Emirgan Park, Istanbul
Estimated Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: Reşitpaşa Mahallesi, Emirgan Sk., 34467 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey