This large and leafy retreat is alive with birds, picnicking families and young couples enjoying a bit of hanky-panky in the bushes. At its highest point is a şale , or chalet, commissioned by Sultan Abdül Hamit II as a hunting lodge. Built in 1880, this was converted into a guesthouse for visiting foreign dignitaries in 1889 and is now a museum. The best time to visit the park is in April, when its spring flowers (including thousands of tulips) bloom.
The şale is at the top of the hill, enclosed by a wall. After being expanded and renovated for the use of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany in 1889, it underwent a second extension in 1898 to accommodate a huge ceremonial hall. After his imperial guest departed, the sultan became quite attached to his 'rustic' creation and decided to live here himself, forsaking the palaces of Dolmabahçe and Çırağan on the Bosphorus shore.
Turkish-speaking guides conduct compulsory half-hour tours through the building every 15 minutes on weekends (less frequently on weekdays). The chalet isn't as plush as Dolmabahçe, but it's far less crowded. In fact, on weekdays it's often empty.
The tour visits a reception hall with French furniture and an ornate painted ceiling; the ceremonial hall with its magnificent Hereke carpet; and a series of bedrooms, bathrooms and salons.
Around 500m past the turn-off to Yıldız Şale, you'll come to the Malta Köşkü , now a restaurant and function centre. Built in 1870, this was where Abdül Hamit imprisoned his brother Murat V, whom he had deposed in 1876. The terrace here has a view of the Bosphorus and is a pleasant spot for a light lunch, tea or coffee.
If you continue walking past the Malta Köşkü for 10 minutes, you'll arrive at the Yıldız Porselen Fabrikası .This factory is housed in a wonderful building designed by Italian architect Raimondo D'Aronco, who introduced the art nouveau style to İstanbul.
The steep walk uphill from Çırağan Caddesi to the şale takes 15 to 20 minutes. If you come to the park by taxi, have it take you up the steep slope to the şale. A taxi from Taksim Meydanı to the top of the hill should cost around TL12.
