Emirgan is a historical city park located in Emirgan, part of Istanbul’s Sariyer district, on the European shore of the Bosporus.
In the Byzantine era, the entire area where the park is situated today was covered with cypresses and known as the “Cypress” or “Cypress Forest”. In the 17th century, the Ottoman sultan Murad IV presented the estate to Emir Gana Khan. The park changed its name to “Emirgûne”, which eventually became “Emirgan”.
The park, owned and operated today by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, covers an area of 117 acres (470,000 m2) on a hillside and is surrounded by high walls.
About Emirgan Grove – Emirgan Park
Emirgan Park is closely connected with the traditional turkish flower – tulip. These flowers have been considered a symbol of Turkey for centuries. Wild plants of the Asian plains, they came to the Ottoman Empire from Persia, and later from the Ottoman Empire were brought to Holland.
As a sign of respect for traditions, a holiday is held annually in April – the International Tulip Festival. It has been held in Istanbul since 2005.
Emirgan Park is considered to be the center of the festival. During the festival the territory is literally covered with an incredible number of tulips of all varieties and shades. The Tulip Festival is not just about planting flowers. A number of events are also held: sculpture and photo exhibitions, glass blowing workshops, live concerts and painting lessons. Everywhere you can buy tulips of different types and things with tulip image on them.
Museum of Tulips
On the territory of the park in its south-western part there is a unique Museum of tulips. It was founded to study varieties of this flower, for selection of new species and their cultivation. The tulip is a significant element of Turkish culture. Visitors can learn a lot about the history of tulips, their role in Turkish traditions, history, art and folklore. You can get to the museum from 10 to 18 hours every day, except Mondays and holidays.
There are more than 120 species of trees and shrubs on the territory, including the extremely rare adianthum, cinnamon tree, white Colorado fir and mahogany. The park is very well maintained, there are many paths, lawns and clearings in it. You can easily see birds and animals close up. For example, squirrels here are not afraid of people and take food directly from their hands. In the center there is a large artificial pond with caves, grottoes and waterfalls. Ducks, swans and turtles live in it.
Yellow, pink and white pavilions
The three historic pavilions, named for their exterior color as the Yellow Pavilion, Pink Pavilion and White Pavilion, were restored between 1979-1983 and opened to the public as a cafeteria and restaurants. All of them were built during the reign of Khedive Ismail Pasha. The cafes are open from 9.00 to 22.30.
The Tulip Festival takes place around April 1-20 (later the plants are already beginning to fade, and the flower beds are trampled). It is definitely worth getting here if you are going to Istanbul in spring. At this time, you can see a simply amazing picture – a sea of flowers of various colors, unusual height and with an amazing shape of buds.
The park is located on a slope and has an original landscape design. From observation platforms (the highest places) you can perfectly see the Bosporus and the opposite shore.
There are several cafes, installations, children’s and sports grounds in the park. This is very convenient if you are traveling with kids. After a walk in the park, you can have a snack and relax there.
Since the park is located on a hill, you will have to go up and down, and you may simply get tired. Therefore, plan a walk in the park with breaks to sit and relax, and also do not forget to wear comfortable shoes.
There are paid toilets on the territory, you can pay for them either with coins or with a transport card.
The locals love this place very much. Here they rest in the shade, have picnics, walk with children. Tourists do not always have time to visit the park because of its remoteness, especially if the trip is short. But if they come, Emirgan stays in memory as an oasis in the middle of a bustling city.
While walking here you can taste delicious Turkish delicacies and drink strong aromatic coffee. And the view of the Bosporus from the hill is considered one of the best in all of Istanbul!
Where is Emirgan Park? How to Get There?
Emirgan Park in Istanbul is located on a hill in the Sariyer district, along the embankment on the European side of the Bosporus Strait behind the Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge. The distance to the park from Taksim Square is about 15 km, from Hagia Sophia – 23 km, from Istanbul New Airport – 43 km.
From Sultanhamet Square
The majority of tourists gets to the park from the city center. You need to take the T1 high-speed tram and get to the final stop “Kabatash”. Then cross the road to the bus stop and wait for one of the routes: 22, 22E, 25E, 40T, 42T. In about half an hour, get off at the Emirgan bus stop. The entrance to the park is located on the opposite side a little to the left.
From Taksim Square
There are several options:
- take the funicular down to the Kabatash station, and then cross the road and take the bus to the park;
- to get to Emirgan using the buses 40T, 42T from the stop “Park Hotel” (located a few meters from the upper station of the funicular),
- use one of the special shuttles that deliver those wishing from the square directly to the gates of the park during the Tulip Festival.
By car
It is convenient to get there by car or taxi. There is a large parking lot next to the park (on maps it is called Emirgan Korusu Karşısı Otoparkı). The cost of a taxi depends on the pick-up point and will be indicated on the meter in the car.
From the Asian sideFrom the opposite side of the bay, you can drive over the Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge.
How to get there by ferryIf you want to take a ride along the Bosporus Strait and see the park from the water, you can take a ferry from the Eminonu pier. This is also a form of public transport in Istanbul. You can check the ferry schedule on the website
en.sehirhatlari.istanbul.com
A ferry runs from Eminonu Pier from 11 am to 19 pm almost every 45 minutes. Travel time is 45 minutes.
From Kabatash Pier there is only an evening Bosporus tour at 18 o’clock.
Not far from the park there is a pier “Emirgan” (the pier appeared there in the XIX century). But it is further from the park than the bus stop, so in this case you will have to walk a little (600 meters to the lower entrance to the park). If you go to the pier “Istinye”, you will need to walk about a kilometer to the upper entrance.
Emirgan Grove Entrance Fee
You can get inside every day from 7.00 to 22.00. Admission is free.
Entrance Fee by Car
You can stay all day and the entrance fee is 48₺. The entrance fee is 64₺ at possible event times. There is no price difference between weekdays and weekends. The monthly subscription fee is 1080₺.
What to eat in the park?
If you are not eager to go to cafes and restaurants in any of the three pavilions of the park or you want to have a snack outdoors, then on the territory you can sit at a table in an outdoor cafe or right on the grass in a picnic area.
Since it takes time to get to the park and to wander around it too, especially with a visit to kiosks and a museum, it is better to plan a Turkish breakfast in one of the municipal cafes (tasty, large portions, not expensive) or in one of the nearby establishments on the Bosporus in advance.
Options:
- Emirgan Sütiş — cafe with a beautiful panorama, high service, large portions. The prices are slightly above average, but the view and the food are worth it.
- La Boom is another cafe near Emirgan Park in Istanbul right on the embankment with a beautiful view.
