Discover Istanbul in a unique and fairy tale-like way at Miniatürk, a park with 122 tiny models of present-day and historical buildings and structures from Istanbul, Anatolia and the former Ottoman territories. This family-friendly attraction is a place where children can let their imaginations run wild and learn some Turkish and Ottoman history at the same time.
Miniatürk is one of the world’s largest miniature parks, spread over 6 hectares. As well as a model area of around 1.5 hectares, it has a substantial expanse of open green space and lots of pools and waterways.
Carefully crafted in 13 different workshops both in Turkey and elsewhere, the 122 models are all 25 times smaller than their respective buildings and structures. Among them are models of buildings from near and far, including Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia cathedral and Sultanahmet Mosque, the Temple of Artemis that once stood near the present-day town of Selçuk and Aspendos Amphitheatre located not far from the city of Antalya. A number of bridges also feature amongst the models, such as Stari Most, a bridge in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Bosporus Bridge, the famous suspension bridge across the Bosporus Strait which connects Europe and Asia.
Miniatürk is the perfect place to learn about the rich historical heritage of Turkey. Listen to the free English-language digital audio guides in front of each model to find out historical information about the buildings and the structures they represent. Children will particularly love the dynamic exhibits at the park. They can marvel at miniature versions of an airport, a highway and a railway network, complete with moving trains, aeroplanes and vehicles, and they can watch tiny ships sailing across the Bosporus.
Miniatürk is situated on the coast of the Golden Horn, within walking distance of many of the principal attractions in Istanbul’s historic district, the Old City. It can also be reached by bus and taxi. The park is open every day and has extended opening hours on weekends in the summer. A fee is charged to enter and there is a gift shop on the site.
