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ARBORETUM
Established
by the Istanbul branch of the State Forestry Directorate, the
arboretum may be entered only by special permission.
 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: Hünkar, Kestane and Çirçir. 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.
CEKMECE LAKES
Büyük Çekmece and Küçük Çekmece lake region is an
hour away from the city. The population increases in summer when
some Istanbul families go for a vacation there. The two lakes
are connected and are an important water source. The area is
ideal for fishing.
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.
GÜLHANE 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.
PARK
FOREST (PARKORMAN)
Located in Istanbul's Maslak district, this park was
designed by the Forestry Director in that area and is run by a
private entrepreneur. Sporting activities and weekend excursions
can be organized there.
YILDIZ
PARK
Extending down the slopes from Yildiz Palace, this walled park
was reserved only for palace residents in the time of Sultan Abdülhamit
II. Today its many large and small kiosks serve as restaurants
and teahouses.
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