Belgrad Forest in Istanbul

Gokce Nacar

Jul 08 1132 read

Belgrad Forest in Istanbul

Belgrad Forest, located in Istanbul's northwest neighborhood of Sariyer, is one of the city's most green spots, with a 55,000-hectare spread of protected forest full of oak, beech, and chestnut trees. Hiking, nature walks, mountain biking, and picnics and barbecues are all options for a fun day out. There are many picnic areas to choose from. The Belgrad Forest got its name when the Kanuni Sultan Suleiman transported thousands of Serbs to Istanbul following the Siege of Belgrade in 1521. A 6 km walking path is also available, which is bordered by a lovely lake and is excellent for nature walking, jogging, or running. Near the road, there's also a huge aqueduct that used to be an Ottoman water delivery system that ran all the way into Taksim Square.

Jogging in Belgrad Forest

Apart from admiring the magnificent trees and enjoying nature, one of the most popular activities in the Belgrad Forest is jogging and hiking along the paths. The Istanbul Hash House Harriers often race along this path, which starts at a fountain near the Neset Suyu (Neset Spring) and weaves a 6 km course with workout equipment stationed along the way for public use. Outside of the major recreational areas, there are numerous trails and tracks that run through the Forest, and a walker may spend hours walking through it without seeing another person. The major difficulty is that there is no map indicating the pathways and tracks (satellite maps are helpful for displaying highways and larger tracks but not for revealing trails and fences) - they must be found. There are also some fenced-off sections and highways that run through the Forest, making it more difficult to locate a suitable walking path. A compass is recommended if traveling further into the forest. A GPS gadget, such as a smartphone, may also be very helpful. The forest is just moderately steep and may be walked through in many areas even when there is no road or track. The tiny village of Bahçeköy, which lies practically in the center of the Forest, is the best location to start exploring it. The city of Bahçeköy is well-served by public transportation. From Bahcekoy, most Ottoman dams and reservoirs are readily accessible.

Where Should You Eat in the Belgrade Forest?

One of the most common things for locals and travelers to do in Istanbul, if they are bored from the historical places, is to take a trip to the Belgrad Forest on the weekend to escape from the heat in the spring and summer months. There are designated leisure spaces, and visitors are even permitted to bring their own portable grills to enjoy with their friends and family. The Forest has seven major picnic sites, with Büyük Bent being the most popular. This area has its own cafe where you are able to bring your own food and cook on the long wooden tables; drinks and snacks are sold on-site.

Belgrad Forest Size

With a region around 5,500 hectares of forest it houses many plant, bird and animal species. Sessile oak is the most prevalent tree in the woodland (Quercus petraea). Belgrad Forest is under protection and is one of the most visited recreational areas of Istanbul. The building of the western section of the motorway running over the 3rd Bosphorus bridge (opened 2016) which runs through the northern part of the forest, the expansion of Istanbul, the settlements which surround the forest, and new roads question the practical effect of the protection. Istanbul has many nature sites along with historical places like Hagia Sophia, and you can do many other things in the city!