The forests of Belgrade, where your soul rids itself of urban life and infuses the purity and peace of nature

The largest green area in the country and the lung of Istanbul and its water source.

Belgrade forests… the lung of Istanbul

In the most crowded city in the country and the first destination for tourists, there must be a breather and a lung that purifies its air from the pollution of modern life.

The largest green area in the country ?Belgrade Forest? is Istanbul?s lung and quencher of its thirst.

Belgrade Forest and Reserve is one of the largest natural green spaces in all of Turkey

It extends over a land of more than 5300 hectares and is 15 km away from the center of Istanbul.

This reserve contains 11 forests and parks, all of which are decorated with perennial and evergreen trees, the most famous of which are oak and beech trees, which extend over most of the area.

In addition to these trees, the forests contain more than 2000 species of different plants, overcoming even the most famous European cities.

It cannot bear the name of a reserve, of course, if it does not also contain different types of birds and various animals. It also contains a special stable for the care of antelopes.

The forests also contain seven lakes that provide the city of Istanbul with fresh water to this day

The history of investing the water of the place dates back to the 16th century AD, when dams and reservoirs were built in a very complex system by the Ottoman Empire, with the aim of pumping water from it to the city.

These historical reservoirs and dams still exist today, as a testimony to the genius of their engineers

The Belgrade forests in Istanbul are generally the preferred destination for tourists, sports enthusiasts, and those wishing to enjoy the beauty of nature away from the city?s hustle and bustle.

There are also walking paths, barbecue places, restaurants and cafes, not to mention the most famous hotels in Istanbul, the government-owned Grand Hotel Tarabya.

Among the famous places in Belgrade, we find the ?Ataturk Arboretum? as well.

Belgrade forests extend in an area in the Maslak region between the Bosphorus and the Black Sea to make a natural boundary for the forested lands between Sariyer and Sultan Eyüp.

The place is open to the public all year round and entry is free.

Belgrade Forests in Istanbul can be reached by a private car or taxi, or from Taksim Square, by taking the M2 metro to Haciosman Station and then taking the HM 42 bus towards Beheşekoy and then walking five minutes.