Category Archives: Research

Naturalistic gardens are landscape arrangements that aim to preserve the natural balance by taking into account the site’s existing topography, climate, soil structure, vegetation and environmental conditions, while limiting human intervention. This study examines naturalistic garden design from the perspective of ecological planning and landscape architecture.

The study first explains the fundamental principles of the natural environment, ecosystems and landscape ecology, and then examines how a garden should be analysed before the design and implementation stages. Site grading, soil preparation, the establishment of lawns and meadows, the selection of trees, shrubs and perennial plants, and the design of water and rock gardens constitute the main practice-oriented topics of the study.

Maintenance practices such as fertilisation, weed control, pruning and irrigation are addressed in order to ensure the continuity of the garden. Terracing and mulching methods for erosion control, along with measures against plant diseases, are also examined. The final section lists annual, biennial and perennial plants, shrubs, aquatic and waterside plants, and species suitable for use in rock gardens.

This study examines Dolmabahçe Palace and its gardens within the context of the social and cultural transformation of the Tanzimat period and the relationship between Turkish and European garden art. By considering the palace’s historical development, architectural structure and garden layout together, it evaluates the extent to which the gardens reflect Western influences and which elements of the traditional Turkish garden concept they preserve.

The study traces the development of Dolmabahçe from its earliest formation on land reclaimed from the sea, through the period of Beşiktaş Coastal Palace, the Westernisation movement under Sultan Abdülmecid and the construction of the new palace. The architectural style of the palace is assessed in terms of its Neoclassical, Neo-Baroque and eclectic characteristics, while the garden layout is compared with Renaissance and Baroque European gardens, particularly Versailles, as well as with the Classical Turkish garden tradition.

The gardens of Dolmabahçe Palace are analysed in separate sections: the Selamlık Front Garden, the Front Garden Strip, the Kuşluk Garden, the Harem Garden and the Rear Garden of the Crown Prince’s Apartments. Planting elements and structural features—including paths, walls, railings, pools, fountains, lighting elements and sculptures—are examined individually. Changes that have occurred over time and interventions affecting the gardens’ original character are also evaluated. The final section reviews conservation and development efforts and presents recommendations concerning current use and the future of the gardens.