Ihlamur Pavilion
Istanbuls Historic and Cultural Heritage
In the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, lies the beautiful and historic Ihlamur Kasrı, an exquisite Ottoman-era summer palace built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülmecid. Nestled within a lush, verdant park and surrounded by fragrant linden trees, the kasrı is a popular destination for tourists and a favored venue for weddings and special events.
Historically, the Ihlamur Pavilion was a recreational area shaded by linden and plane trees, through which the Fulya Stream flowed. Sources from the 18th to early 20th centuries describe this serene valley. The first section belonged to Hacı Hüseyin Ağa, the shipyard emir, during the reign of Sultan III. Ahmed (1703-1730). Eventually, it was incorporated into the state treasury and transformed into a private garden for the sultan.
The second section, extending toward Yıldız, hosted archery competitions during the reigns of Sultan III. Selim (1789-1807) and Sultan II. Mahmud (1808-1839), with target stones still visible today as evidence of these events. Under Sultan Abdülmecid (1839-1861), the valley’s third section was named "Muhabbet Bahçesi," where extensive afforestation and landscaping efforts were undertaken.
Designed by architect Krikor Amira Balyan, Ihlamur Kasrı exemplifies neoclassical architecture and served as a retreat for Sultan Abdülmecid, who often visited to relax, hunt, and entertain guests.
The palace derives its name from the surrounding linden trees and was vividly described by French poet Lamartine, who visited Abdülmecid in 1846: "In the garden opposite the building, there were large linden trees that gave the valley its name, along with beautiful fruit trees. In front of the three-step staircase leading to the pavilion, a small fountain, shyly hidden by jasmine branches, spilled into a marble pool with a sweet murmur. Ihlamur is the sultan’s favorite pavilion; he rests and meditates here.
In 1951, Ihlamur Kasrı was donated to the Istanbul Municipality by the Turkish Grand National Assembly and transformed into the "Tanzimat Museum." Today, Ihlamur Kasrı stands as one of Istanbul's significant symbols, embodying the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. These structures invite visitors on an unforgettable journey into the past, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.