Parks in Istanbul

ATATURK ARBORETUM: Established by the Istanbul branch of the State Forestry Directorate, Ataturk Arboretum is open to public throughout the week. Special permission needed on weekends and official holidays.

BELGRADE FOREST: The forest is north of the city parallel to the shore in the foothills of the Istranca Mountains. The Romans were the first to regulate the flow of water from the forest with its high rainfall. Water has been channeled continuously from the forest to the city ever since the Byzantine period. The best underground water sources in Istanbul are in this area: Hunkar, Kestane and Circir. The Belgrade Forest is a popular picnicking site and has a jogging and hiking trail.

BEYKOZ WOODS: This small wooded area on the Asian side is famous for its water sources and its spacious tea gardens. Also famous is the Hasir Restaurant serving Turkish meat dishes.

EMIRGAN WOODS: This wooded area is on the hills facing the Bosphorus above Emirgan. Kiosks, built as gifts to the sultan by the family of the governor of Egypt, are surrounded by large and well-kept gardens and serve today as restaurants and cafes.

GULHANE PARK: Located on the slopes below Topkapi Palace extending to the seashore, this park is popular among Istanbul residents for picknicking and its frequent open-air concerts. In the park is the Gothic Column, known to have been one of the main obelisks of the Byzantines, and an as yet undefined Byzantine ruin.

YILDIZ PARK: Extending down the slopes from Yildiz Palace, this walled park was reserved only for palace residents in the time of Sultan Abdulhamit II. Today its many large and small kiosks serve as restaurants and teahouses.