Lost in the sprawling embrace of Beykoz Korusu a whisper of history stirs. This isn’t just any park. Beykoz Korusu or Abraham Pasha Grove holds a secret. It’s a story of chess games and sultans. A tale of Ottoman power and French design.
Imagine Abraham Pasha a close friend of Sultan Abdulaziz. Legend says he won this very land. He won it in a chess match against the Sultan himself. The stakes were high. The prize was this magnificent expanse of 27.9 hectares. Now the people of Istanbul enjoy it.
The grove’s design isn’t simply Turkish. French garden architects shaped its beauty. They added charming pavilions quaint kiosks and even pools. Exotic plants flourish here. They thrive in Beykoz Korusu’s unique microclimate. These plants would struggle elsewhere in Turkey.
Once there was a small theatre here in Beykoz Korusu. A theatre tragically lost to a fire in 1937. Today however you can still see two large artificial grottoes. There are five ponds. You can also admire three artificial waterfalls. One pond even features a small artificial island. Quite exquisite isn’t it?
Sultan Abdulhamid II later acquired Beykoz Korusu. He transformed part of it into the Hurriyet Baghcesi. He did this to make this wonderful area available to the public.
Today Beykoz Korusu remains a treasure. It’s a place for picnics. There are cafes and restaurants to enjoy too. You can easily reach it by public transport. Enjoy this vibrant green oasis within Istanbul’s bustling heart. It is a place to relax and appreciate history. Beykoz Korusu awaits.