Emirgan

Emirgan Review

The quiet suburb of Emirgan is best known for its large, attractive public park, Emirgan Korusu— formerly an estate owned by the Khedive of Egypt—which has flower gardens, a small pond, walking paths, and picnic areas. Three 19th-century wooden pavilions in the park have been restored and house restaurants and cafés. During Istanbul's annual Tulip Festival in April, visitors flock to Emirgan Korusu for its striking flower displays—in 2010, over a million tulips of dozens of different varieties were planted in this park alone. The flower, which take its name from the Turkish word tülbend (turban), was most likely introduced to Europe in the late 16th century via the Ottoman Empire, setting off the famous "tulip craze" in the Netherlands. Emirgan is also where the Sakip Sabanci Müzesi is located—worth a visit if the temporary exhibit catches your fancy.