Hamidiye National Garden, located on the Sivas-Ankara highway on the site of the Abdülhamid II era Stallion Depot, is a 250,000 square meter park housing the War Horses Museum, Abdülhamid Han House, and historical structures; park entrance is free, museum visits are paid.
Hamidiye National Garden was established on the Sivas-Ankara highway, on the site of the Stallion Depots founded by Abdülhamid Han II in 1889. These structures were used successively as an institution that raised horses for the palace, the Uzun Yayla Horse Breeding and Improvement Institution, a Model Farm, and an Agricultural School. Today, 11 registered structures stand in the area; the total area is approximately 250,000 square meters. The War Horses Museum is the most striking among them: it has 35 galleries in an 1800 m indoor area and more than 20 sections dedicated to horses and war horses.
There isn't just one museum within the park. The Handicrafts Museum, Agricultural Tools Museum, Abdülhamid Han House, and MiniaSivas (miniatures of historical structures belonging to Sivas) are located close to each other. Visitors particularly find the Abdülhamid Han House and the racehorse museum worth seeing; one comment states that these two points do not receive the attention they deserve and their promotion is insufficient. The horse riding area is open to the public; you can also see privately owned horses in the stud farm. Some say that the scent of oleaster dominates in June and linden in July. The rose gardens and green areas are a preferred spot for walking.
There are cafe and restaurant options in the area. A place called "Kitap Kahve" (Book Coffee) with a vintage atmosphere and a small library is described as standing out from the ordinary cafe concept. Some visitors state that landscape maintenance is sometimes neglected and some nets in the playgrounds are torn; there are also complaints about the ban on bringing food and drinks from outside. There is a large parking lot at the entrance, but another recurring comment is that public transport frequency to the center is low.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Sivas historical places, Şuğul Canyon.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
June is remembered for the scent of oleaster blossoms, and July for the scent of linden; during these months, the rose gardens are also at their most vibrant. The War Horses Museum being open until 23:00 on summer weekends also makes evening visits possible. In winter, outdoor excursions may be more limited, but the museums remain open.
How to Get There
The park is located on the Sivas-Ankara highway, close to the city center. There is a large parking lot at the entrance for those arriving by private car. The infrequent public transport services are a common complaint; one visitor recounts losing hours waiting for a bus. A taxi or private car from the city center is the most reliable option.
How Much Time to Allocate
1-1.5 hours is sufficient just to visit the War Horses Museum. If you also include the other museums within the park (Handicrafts, Agricultural Tools, Abdülhamid Han House, MiniaSivas), the walking paths, and the horse riding area, it takes half a day. If you explore at a slow pace with children, a full day passes comfortably.
Suggested Itinerary
After the entrance, the first stop is usually the War Horses Museum, which is the most striking section. Then, it makes sense to move on to the Abdülhamid Han House to see the structure of the period. In MiniaSivas, you can look at the miniatures of the city's historical structures, then head to the horse riding area and stud farm. It is preferred to end the tour with a walk through the rose gardens and a break at Kitap Kahve.
Food and Drink
There are cafe and restaurant options available within the park, Çadır Restaurant being one of them. The place called Kitap Kahve stands out as a different concept from ordinary cafes, housing a small library and study tables. It is stated that bringing food and drinks from outside is not allowed, so do not plan to carry provisions with you.
Things to Note
Some visitors state that landscape maintenance is sometimes neglected, and there are periods when weeds grow tall. Comments mention that some safety nets in the children's playgrounds are torn, requiring attention for safety. The museums closing at 18:00 is considered early by those who cannot manage to see the large area. Plan accordingly.
Photo Spots
The miniature structures in MiniaSivas and the lavender beds are among the prominent spots for photography. The rose gardens are another frequently preferred spot on the walking paths. The historical stone structures and animals in the horse riding area are also places where families with children especially take photos.
FAQ
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