Ihlamur Pavilion is located in the Ihlamur Recreation Area, a valley situated between Beşiktaş and Nişantaşı. It was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid (1839–1861), who had two pavilions built there by architect Nigoğos Balyan, named the “Ceremonial Pavilion” and the “Retinue Pavilion.” Of these, the Ceremonial Pavilion is the main structure referred to as the Ihlamur Pavilion. This rectangular, single-story building, set on a high substructure, is constructed from ashlar.

A short distance from the Ceremonial Pavilion stands the simpler Retinue Pavilion, a two-story structure featuring a double staircase on its entrance façade. The ground floor has a central hall with a staircase and four rooms located in the corners.

Today, the Ihlamur Pavilion, shielded by high walls from the noise and bustle of its surroundings, consists of two structures nestled within a historical recreation area long known as the Ihlamur Mesiresi. This area comprises three sections: the Pool Area (Havuzlu Ihlamur Mahalli), the Garden of Companionship (Muhabbet Bahçesi), and the Vineyard of Hacı Hüseyin (Hacı Hüseyin Bağı). During the reign of Sultan Ahmed III (1703–1730), it was transformed into an imperial garden (hasbahçe), and further landscaping was carried out during the reigns of Sultan Abdülhamid I (1774–1789) and Sultan Selim III (1789–1807). In the first half of the 19th century, the area also attracted the attention of Sultan Abdülmecid. He frequently visited a modest vineyard house located here for rest and leisure and even received some of his guests—among them the famous French poet Lamartine—at this residence. Between 1849 and 1855, he replaced the simple house with the current pavilions.

 

 

Of the two structures, the Ceremonial Pavilion was intended and used for official ceremonies, while the Retinue Pavilion—used by the Sultan’s entourage or occasionally his harem—was comparatively smaller and more modest in its external ornamentation, though designed in a similar architectural style. Its interior decoration is also relatively understated.

After Sultan Abdülmecid’s untimely death, his brother Sultan Abdülaziz showed some interest in the pavilions and their surroundings. He occasionally held rooster and ram fights, as well as wrestling matches—his personal interests—in the garden. Later, Sultan Mehmed V frequently visited the site for relaxation, and in 1910, the Bulgarian and Serbian monarchs visiting Istanbul were received here during his reign.

 

Ticket Prices

 

Ihlamur Pavilion
Domestic Visitor Ticket:	90 TL
Foreign Visitor Ticket:	250 TL
Discounted Ticket:	40 TL
Garden Entry Ticket:	50 TL