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The Bird Garden (Kuşluk Bahçesi) is one of the gardens at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. It’s located between the Harem Garden and Selamlık Garden.
Bird Garden
The Bird Garden is surrounded by the palace walls to the north, the Ceremonial Hall to the south, and interior walls to the east and west. To the east is the Harem and to the west is the Selamlık. Visitors pass through the Bird Garden on their way to the Harem after visiting the Selamlık.
The Bird Garden has lots of shade and a peaceful atmosphere. The center of the garden features a pool. Peacocks, pheasants, and guineafowl ramble among magnolia, chestnut, and linden trees.
Grave of Hoca Ahmet Turani
On the wall leading to the Harem is the grave of Hoca Ahmet Turani. I couldn’t find any information about him other than he died in 1397.
Glass Pavilion
On the northwest corner is the Glass Pavilion (Camlı Köşk), also known as the Crystal Pavilion. It was the only window to the outside world from the land side of Dolmabahçe Palace. Sultans would sit and watch official processions outside the palace from the pavilion. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been open during my visits.
The Glass Pavilion opens onto what is now Dolmabahçe Avenue. It was designed and built by British architect William Smith (1817-1891). Most of the materials were brought from the United Kingdom for its construction.
Bird House
In front of the Glass Pavilion is the Bird Lodge (Kuşluk Köşkü) and to the right is the Bird House (Kuşluk Binası). Birds were brought to the palace from all over the world, and many were gifts. Some of the birds are rare.
