Embodying the refined spirit of the Tulip Era, the Sofa Pavilion was constructed in 1704 by the art-loving Sultan Ahmed III. Its name, sofa, refers to a place of rest and conversation, and it served as an elegant viewing box for the Sultan. From its vantage point, he could watch sporting contests like javelin and wrestling unfold in the Tulip Garden below.
Architecturally, the wooden pavilion is a quintessential example of the Tulip Era’s aesthetic, blending classical Ottoman forms with Western decorative influences. It functions as a graceful bridge connecting the Revan and Baghdad Pavilions, creating a harmonious imperial terrace. The most personal touch, however, is the calligraphy adorning the pavilion, some of which was penned by Sultan Ahmed III himself, a testament to his own skill as a master calligrapher.