Yldz ale, constructed as a hunting lodge for Sultan Abdül Hamit II in 1880 and inaccessible to the public at the time of investigation, is located at the park’s highest point. The şale (chalet) is surrounded by a wall at the top of the hill. In 1889, it was enlarged and renovated for the use of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, and in 1898, it was extended again to accommodate a large ceremonial hall. Abdül Hamit grew so devoted to his ‘rustic’ creation after his imperial visitor left that he opted to live here himself, foregoing the palaces of Dolmabahçe and raan on the Bosphorus shore.
Yıldız Park Location
Yldz Park, one of the best places to visit in Istanbul, is Istanbul’s largest grove, located between Besiktas and Ortaköy, directly across from the Sultan Palace. Between the Security Directorate and the Mecidiye Mosque is an entry on Raan Street, while the higher entrance is on Palanga Street in the top portion of Barbaros Street. Car access is possible from both entrances, although only in front of the kiosks in the car park in front of the little car park is my recommendation.
The most convenient way to get there is to walk from the Beşiktaş dock to the Raan entrance. The location of Yldz Park and the kiosks within it can be seen on the map below.
Yıldız Park Map
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Things to Do in Yildiz Park
With its various trees and season-specific flowers, Yldz Park is green and vibrant throughout the year. Yildiz Park is for you if you enjoy natural walks but can’t get away from Istanbul. Because of the rugged terrain, you can literally go hiking here. With the recent landscaping in the park, there were waterfalls, suspension bridges, and vehicle-free walkways, and it truly became a world-class park.
The Malta Köşkü, now an unauthorized restaurant and event centre, is located 500 metres past the turn-off to Yldz ale. Abdül Hamit jailed his brother Murat V, whom he ousted in 1876, in this structure built in 1870. The patio, as well as the upstairs dining room with its beautiful ceiling and chandelier, have views of the Bosphorus.
After 10 minutes of strolling past the Malta Köşkü, you will arrive at the Yldz Porselen Fabrikas. This factory is housed in a magnificent structure created by Raimondo D’Aronco, an Italian architect who is credited with introducing the art nouveau style to Istanbul.
Yıldız Şale Museum
The National Palaces owns the Yldz ale Museum. Despite its location within Yldz Park, the museum’s entrance should be counted among the Stars Palace structures. In 2018, the entrance cost is 20 TL, and the Museum Card is not acceptable.