A view of İnönü Gezisi (Gezi Parkı), Taksim Gardens and Belediye Gazinosu from Mete Caddesi

As İstanbul's first public park, Taksim Gardens was opened in 1869. It was redesigned by Henri Prost in a free-flowing arrangement with twisting paths that would offer contrast to the geometric order of İnönü Gezisi. The Belediye Gazinosu was designed by architect Rüknettin Güney and constructed in the northeast corner of this park. Taksim Gardens is connected to No.2 Park, which stretches between Harbiye, Maçka and Dolmabahçe, via a footbridge. Henri Prost created a promenade park in the middle of new residential settlements unfettered by vehicular traffic.