Fighting against the stereotype that Istanbul has few green spaces or parks is not an easy thing to do. It’s a common complaint that I’ve heard during my time living here from both Turks and expats alike. However, while this may be true in the heavily-clustered central areas of Beşiktaş, Şişli, Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, etc. where skyscrapers and shopping centers reign supreme, this stereotype ceases to carry any weight when you make your way 15-20 kilometers out of the city center (but still within the city limits). Istanbul is such a massive city in total size and scale that there are parks, forests, and green spaces — you just need to know where to look. With the weather warming up and the flowers in full bloom, this is the best time to find those hidden gems that can make your weekend even more enjoyable and relaxing.
Two of my favorite (and relatively unknown) places to unwind in Istanbul are Atatürk Ormanı and Florya Sahil Parkı. Located in Florya, which is within the larger Bakırköy Belediyesi, these two parks are so close to one another that you could easily visit both during the same day. For the first stop, check out Atatürk Ormanı, which is right alongside Florya Caddesi and is easily accessible by bus, dolmuş or car. It’s known to be one of the only forests — besides Belgrade Forest — in the Istanbul metropolitan area, although I consider it to be more of a hybrid of a park and forest. Still, it’s well-maintained, extremely clean, and has plenty of walkways to explore all the forest has to offer, including the tall tress and flower gardens. It’s also a great spot for those with families and children to spend the afternoon as there are playgrounds, picnic tables, and public restrooms. What’s unique about Atatürk Ormanı is that it doesn’t feel like a forest until you walk a few kilometers into the area and then it starts to turn from a regular park with green grass into a sizable forest with tall trees and pine cones everywhere. This park, while located about 20 km from Taksim, would be an enjoyable Saturday or Sunday trip, especially if you miss being in a more natural area away from the skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of traffic and people.
The other place to check out in Florya is Florya Sahil Parkı, which is a short 1 to 2 kilometer walk away from Atatürk Ormanı. Also accessible by bus and dolmuş from Taksim, the park has over 1,500 square meters of available space for walking and playing, and it has definitely been put to good use. There are four playgrounds available and two exercise areas for adults who would like a nice workout while looking at the gorgeous view. One of the greatest things about Florya Sahil Parkı is that it has an expansive boardwalk directly adjacent to the Sea of Marmara, where you can relax, sit, and listen to the waves of the sea crash up against the rocks and the pier itself. It’s one of the best places in Istanbul for a view of the sea, the beach, and the cargo ships heading for the Bosphorus strait. This park is also located very close the the Aquaflorya Shopping Center (AVM) and the biggest aquarium in Istanbul, called simply Istanbul Akvaryum. There are restaurants and cafes located close to the park’s entrance and exit in case you get hungry or thirsty after walking along the boardwalk. If you visit during the summer, don’t forget your bathing suit as there is a beach in the park called Güneş Plajı; it’s perfect for suntanning and swimming.
It can be hard to get away from the concrete and noise of Istanbul, but these two green spaces in Florya can provide you with some calm and relaxation, if only for a short while. I highly recommend both places for a nice weekend picnic, a bike ride, or a get-together with friends. I promise that you won’t regret visiting either of these two lesser-known gems in Istanbul.
Benjamin Weinberg is a contributor to Yabangee.
Featured Image Source: www.gezmeninsonuyok.blogspot.com.tr
Note: The below map shows Atatürk Ormanı. However, Florya Sahil Parkı is extremely close by — on the map, it is located slightly below the forest and to the right.
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