Yıldız Park was once the sultan’s private hunting ground and part of the grounds of Yıldız Palace, which was used as the main residence of Sultan Abdülhamid II (reigned 1876-1909), walled off to all but the royal court.

The park, which runs all the way down the hill slope to Çırağan Palace (now a luxury hotel), has panoramic views across the Bosphorus and as one of the largest green spaces in the city, is hugely popular on the weekends.

Some small areas of the park are still dense woodland with oak, pine, yew, and ash trees among the tree species found here. A series of walking trails wind up and down the hill, through the park, leading to an artificial lake, to picnic areas, and to the park’s restaurants.

Facilities within the park for families are excellent, with various children’s playgrounds scattered within the grounds. For runners, there’s a dedicated running track.

For the most scenic journey here, take the ferry to Beşiktaş and disembark there.

History

Yıldız Park was once part of the imperial garden of Yıldız Palace. Extending down the slopes from the palace, this walled park was reserved only for palace dwellers during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II.

The area of Yıldız used to be a forest in Byzantine times. Starting during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the sultans made it their hunting grounds. In the next centuries, it remained as a grove behind the seaside palaces. The neighbourhood began to flourish in the wake of construction of the palace in the 19th century. It took its name from the first pavilion, namely Yıldız Kasrı, commissioned by Selim III in early 19th century.

The 25-acre of the palace’s external garden were surrounded by high walls and detached from a grove during the reign of Abdulhamid II in the 19th century. A small artificial lake, pavilions, summer houses and a porcelain factory were established in this section.