GARDENS OF TOPKAPI PALACE:
GULHANE PARK
The Sur-I Sultani within the
Royal Walls includes not only the buildings that have stood witness to important
episodes in world history, but also beautiful landscaped gardens. The first of
those gardens is Gulhane ( Rosehouse) Park. Today, the tulip is a flower mainly
associated with other countries. Perhaps in your mind too tulips are identified
with other countries.
However, you should know that the first tulip bulbs were
sent abroad from Istanbul in the Ottoman Period. The tulip has even lent its
name to the most controversial era of Ottoman history. If you visit Istanbul in
season, you will find tulips in bloom in Gulhane Park- a wonderful haven for
those trying to escape from summer heat, a place where you can enjoy sea
breezes under the cool shade of centuries old trees.
The park also has a
panoramic view of the Sea of Marmara,the Golden Horn and the Istanbul Strait,
as it is situated on the tip of the historical peninsula. The park is also
associated with the Tanzimat (reorganization of the state) reforms since the
Rescript of Gulhane was proclaimed here. The Tanzimat Museum, which exhibits
documents and photographs relating to that important period of the Ottoman
Empire, is situated in Gulhane Park.
They has Ahirlar (Royal Stables)
is a part of Gulhane Park and at present they house the Islamic Science and
Technology Museum. The museum exhibits replics, built according to written records,
of various devices and tools invented and developed by Islamic scientists between
the 8th and 16th centuries.
Among them are the world map
designed by 70 geographers and astronomers in a 30 year period in 9th
century and the oldest clock of the world that works in accordance with the
time system which is still in use. We recommend a visit to the museum for an
insight into the contribution of scientist from the Islamic world to the world
history science.
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