Yildiz, giving its name to the whole neighbourhood, is one of many Ottoman palaces in Istanbul, and one of the less famous. Built in the 19th century, it began as the park grounds to Ciragan Palace down the hill on the Bosphorus. It later grew into the Sultan´s "small" rustic lodge and retreat, still quite a large palace complex that just happened to be puny compared to the likes of Dolmabahce.

This particularly was important under Abdulhamit II, a reclusive unahppy ruler who ruled from 1876 until deposed by the Young Turks in 1909.

The former complex has three areas that, while still adjoining, are separate in terms of visiting and I handle them separately. All are part of the former palace, but this tip is for the extensize park land that is now Yildiz Parki, a free public park.

The grounds are extensive and very heavily wooded. The grounds are very pleasant, hilly and up the slope of the hill, with water areas, numerous bridges, and some playground and fitness facilities. Many bridges are original in the concrete faux-rustic-wooden-bridge style of Yildiz palace, although some of the detail is decaying. As part of the palace, it included several koskler (kiosks or pavilions), which now serve as cafes where one can sit and have tea, other drinks, and food in the park setting. The whole place really is quite nice and an easily accessed, quite retreat from the bustle of this huge city. =) (Location: Turkey)

Uploaded by clarividencia on 9/25/2011, viewed 1922 times.