Gülhane Park, Public park near Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
Gülhane Park is a public green space adjacent to Topkapi Palace with trees, flower gardens, and paved walkways covering a large area. It combines sections of planted gardens with more open spaces and several historical buildings scattered throughout the grounds.
The grounds once served as the outer gardens of Topkapi Palace before being transformed into a public park in 1912. This change made the former palace area accessible to the public and reshaped how Istanbul residents used the waterfront area.
The park contains several structures from different eras, including the Gothic Column and the Procession Pavilion, which visitors encounter while walking through the grounds. These buildings reflect layers of Ottoman and Byzantine influence that shaped the place over time.
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and has several entrances near tram stations for easy access. Benches, cafes, and restroom facilities are available throughout the grounds for visitor comfort.
In 1928, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk presented the Latin alphabet to Turkish citizens for the first time from this location. This moment became a turning point for modernizing Turkish writing and culture.
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