Miniatürk – Educational and Fun!

Miniatürk, situated on the North-Eastern shore of the Golden Horn, in a nutshell, is a display of the main monuments of Istanbul and Turkey in miniature. Historic and fun for all, there are areas in the Park that will appeal to both children and adults.

Opened in 2003, with 116 structures to date, (50 from Anatolia, 54 from Istanbul and 12 from abroad) you can easily get there by public transport or taxi if you wish.

Entrance prices vary; the full fare starts at 40TL; students, teachers and Military personnel receive a discount, 20 TL. Accompanying student groups of 10 or more is free; but for foreigners it’s 90TL. Don’t despair Turkish residents! Take your residency permit and you can enter for 40TL however there is a catch. The park is designed to give you historic information at the front of each monument via a machine using the barcoded ticket you receive upon entry. This ticket determines in which language the information is narrated. With Spanish, French, Russian, Italian, Arabic, Turkish and English available. Something to consider if you ask for a discount! This is a nifty feature of the Park because you can listen to as much as you like and then just move on.

At first glance, the 6-hectare expanse of land is impressive with ‘mini’ everything everywhere in front of you, making the choice of where to start your biggest decision. Whether you are a visitor to Istanbul or a resident, there’s something exciting about looking at Turkish architecture in miniature. “Where’s that in Istanbul?” and “I haven’t been there yet, let’s go soon!” were phrases commonly echoed around the circuit of buildings. From the traditional Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace and Galata Tower to the less familiar, Molla Gürani Mosque, Kaymak Mustafa Paşa Mosque and Khedive Palace, the models are quite well constructed with additions of mini people and landscaping. Being able to walk across the Bosphorus Bridge and look down on the landmarks below does give you a taste of the real-life experience and puts the European and Asian sides of Istanbul into perspective.

The Anatolian section of works outside of Istanbul is the most interesting as an Istanbulite. Here you get the chance to discuss where your next Turkey travels will take you, to Ephesus, Mount Nemrut, the Sümela Monastery on the cliffs of Trabzon or perhaps to the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia. For a visitor, these detailed displays give you insight into the many wonders of Turkey.

The Works Abroad display includes some of the more spectacular Ottoman architecture of the Ottoman Empire and was an unexpected surprise. From Atatürk’s House in Thessaloniki, the Ecyad Castle of Mecca to The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, these additions give further depth to the experience.

Kids entertainment ranges from playing on a giant chess set, wandering through a labyrinth, trampolining, climbing on the jungle gym, having your photo taken in Ottoman attire or jumping on board the train that circles the complex. But the pièce de la résistance of kids’ entertainment is the Flyride Helicopter Simulation tour. This is probably what your kids are going to want to do. Taking you on a choice of an Istanbul or Turkey Tour, your helicopter incorporates the elements of wind, rain and other touch effects.

Food wise, there seems to be a couple of places to sit and eat both inside and outside but due to the early hour of our visit, they were still setting up and we weren’t focused on food (but I did see Magic Corn.) Check out the well stocked souvenir shop on the way out though.

According to my friend who accompanied me, not much has changed since Miniatürk opened 19 years ago. Perhaps it’s looking a little tired now but first timers probably wouldn’t get this impression. Showing the location under the title of each monument is one recommendation that would add to the experience and give visitors a quick reference to where they need to go to visit the ‘real deal.’ More interactive moving models like the airplanes at the Atatürk International Airport would definitely update the site and make it seem more modern.

You can visit Miniaturk every day from 9:00-19:00 and more information is available at www.miniaturk.com.tr. Unfortunately the website doesn’t always work in English! There are Miniatürk buses (1453) that leave from the Şişhane 6 stop or various other buses 47, 47Ç, 47N, 47E plus the 54HT or 54HŞ from Şişli. We took a Dolmuş from Mecidiyeköy and the minibus driver told us when to get off, leaving us only a short walk downhill to the park. You can also take the Metrobus to the Halıcıoğlu stop and walk down to the main road from here.

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Sally McDonald is a contributor to Yabangee and the owner of Foodie Frolics, which allows her to explore the city for great food and wine experiences, and plan private food & wine pairing events, cooking classes, walking tours and more!