Ihlamur Kasirlari

It is known that Ihlamur Valley, located between Beşiktaş, Yıldız and Nişantaşı, was a recreation area in the 18th century belonging to Hacı Hüseyin Ağa, one of the tersâne eminleri, and was therefore known as “Hacı Hüseyin Bağları.” During the reign of Sultan III. Ahmed (1703-1730), it was transformed into a “Hasbahçe” belonging to the Sultan. This area, known as “Hacı Hüseyin Bağları” until the second half of the 19th century, was also used during the reigns of Sultan I. Abdülhamid (1774-1789) and Sultan III. Selim (1789-1807).

With Sultan Abdülmecid’s (1839-1861) accession to the Ottoman throne, the construction of Ihlamur Kasırları began in this area where Ihlamur Mesiresi was located. The two buildings, situated within a wooded area of 24.724 square meters bounded in places by high surrounding walls and in some parts by cast railings, have been referred to since the years of their construction, 1849-1855, sometimes as “Nüzhetiye” and sometimes as “Ihlamur Kasırları.”

The main structure, Merasim Köşkü, has a striking architecture with its staircase on the front facade bearing baroque lines reflecting the taste of the period, and its interesting and lively reliefs. In the interior decoration of the kasır, a style in keeping with the Western decorative understanding preferred in 19th-century Ottoman art was chosen. This decorative style displays a unity with the furniture and furnishing elements used.

Maiyet Köşkü, used by the Sultan’s retinue and at times by the harem, is not only a simpler structure, but also presents a more traditional appearance with its spatial arrangement consisting of corner rooms opening onto a central sofa. In the rooms of Maiyet Köşkü, the walls are covered in different colors with şutuk workmanship giving the appearance of marble.

Merasim Köşkü serves as a museum-palace.

Places to Visit in İstanbul Address: Teşvikiye, Nişantaşı Ihlamur Yolu Sk., 34357 Şişli/İstanbul