Photos of Yıldız Park

Yildiz Park is an oasis filled with grass, trees, picnickers, and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This used to be the royal gardens of the nearby Ciragan Palace, with two magnificent ornate pavilions where sultans used to sit and admire the surrounding beauty. Sultan Abdul Hamid II (reigned 1876-1909) built his own gorgeous villa in 1882 in order not to lose to his predecessor. In 1898, in order to welcome the visit of the German Emperor Wilhelm II, it was expanded again. Now, it's far less crowded than the Dolmabahce Palace, but it's well worth a visit.