IHLAMUR PALACE

Located between the slopes of Beşiktaş, Yıldız, and Nişantaşı, the Ihlamur Valley, according to historical sources, was a lush green recreational area from the 18th to the early 20th century, shaded by linden and plane trees, and through which the Fulya stream flowed. The first part of the valley, where the pavilions are located today, was a vineyard belonging to Hacı Hüseyin Ağa, one of the shipyard administrators during the reign of Sultan Ahmed III (1703-1730), before being incorporated into the state treasury and transformed into a royal garden. In the second part, which rises towards Yıldız, it is understood from some surviving target stones that Sultan Selim III (1789-1807) and Sultan Mahmud II (1808-1839) held archery competitions with their archers. The distances, degrees, and dates of the sultans' shots into water filled pitchers are inscribed on these target stones. During the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid (1839-1861), the third section of the valley, called the "Garden of Love," was added, and afforestation and terraced landscaping works were carried out.