It is located between Topkapi Palace and Sarayburnu in Fatih, district of Istanbul. Being great, well-groomed and splendid, Gulhane park has witnessed an important events along the history. Once upon a time there was a monastery in Gulhane park because of that it was thought by the Byzantines as a holy location. Also the Byzantines used here as military post before they built the Mangana Palace which was a resident belonging to Byzantine Emperors one hundered years ago.
After the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1453, Topkapi Palace and Incili Mansion were built next to it. So, Gulhane Park adjoining with Acheologi Museums complex was used the private garden of sultans in that famous Palace. Because of that many various kind of flowers were planted here such as roses, tulips, lilies, purple violet and daisies smelling fantastic. Even today, that odour continues its effect; When you step into that park,you feel as if you are in the paradise.
At the same time that fascinating park is a first place which Ottomans took a first step to the modernization. The symbol of modernization, ”the rescript of gülhane” (Tanzimat Fermani in Turkish) was declared by foreign affairs minister, Mustafa Resit Pasha in the period of sultan Abdulmecid 3 october 1839 here. Also well known as Gulhane hatt-i humayunu, that rescript creates a tremendous influence.
Another significant development,great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the first teacher and the president of the republic introduced the Latin Alphabet to the public in Gulhane Park where experienced the firsts. Except for those features, Gulhane park has aesthetic beauty with the statue of Asık Veysel who was famous, valuable bard of Turkis people and Gotlar Column belonging to Ancient Rome time.
Goltlar Column
Located in Gulhane Park, Gotlar Column is thought to be built in the 4th century. It was built after a military victory over the Goths. The column is 15 meters high and rests on a three-step pedestal. The column is carved from a only piece of stone and ornamented only by a Corinth including an eagle relief. Also Gulhane Park was mentioned in many poem and song.For example, great poet Nazim Hikmet wrote a poem named Ceviz Agacı (Walnut Tree) about Gulhane.
Today for the visitors there are many cafes, restaurants and tea houses surrounding it. When you drink your coffee, you shoul watch the unique landscape of that park.
