Ihlamur Pavilion

Open every day except Monday and Thursday from 09:30 – 17:00, October to February: 09:00-15:00
Entrance Fee: 4.00 TL

Lovely imperial rest house "Ihlamur Kasrı" was built in the midst of Linden trees, where you can have a cup of coffee, or as the Turkish word Ihlamur implies, a cup of Linden tea.

The 19th century Ihlamur Kasırları is named after the linden trees that grow in its gardens, now in the heart of the city. Ihlamur Valley lying behind the district of Beşiktaş was a popular picnic place in the early 18th century. Before the royal lodges were constructed here Abdülmecid used to visit this pleasant wooded valley frequently. There was nothing in the park but a tiny plain building and here Lamartine, the famous French writer and poet, was received by Sultan Abdülmecid in the mid 19th century. In his account of the occasion Lamartine could not disguise his disappointment at the humble setting in which he met the Ottoman sovereign.

Lamartine would not have been disappointed by the Ihlamur Palace shortly afterwards. It is a smaller version of Dolmabahçe Palace and consists of two mansions designed by the famous imperial architect Nikogos Balyan as a summer palace along the lines of Dolmabahçe and was constructed 1849 and 1855. The mansions are together called the Nüzhetiye or Ihlamur Pavilions. The most sophisticated of the two mansions, known as the Merasim Köşk, was reserved for the Sultan's own use. A twisting baroque staircase frames the entrance and intense decoration surrounds the façade. The interior decoration is typical of l9th century Turkish architecture, highly westernized but eclectic, in keeping with the furnishings and fittings in various European styles.

The sultan's entourage or family members who accompanied him used the plainer and slightly smaller Maiyet Köşk. The Imperial Gate was reserved for the Sultan, his family and royal visitors only. The other two gates were used by foreign diplomats and guests. The large central pool, baroque in style and adorned with statues of lions was once surrounded by rose-beds.

The Ihlamur Pavilions were placed under the support of the National Palaces in 1966 as museum-palaces and are open to the public. There is a cafe in the Maiyet Köşk and part of the garden, and as at the other palaces and pavilions private receptions may be held here by prior arrangements. A newer building in the grounds that used to be accommodation for employees is now used to hold courses in painting, sculpture and drama mainly for children.

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