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Istanbul Belgrade Forest

Don’t miss Istanbul’s Belgrade Forest in autumn

In big cities like Istanbul, because of the crowd and traffic, after a week of fatigue, there is a need for rest and relaxation. One of these places to relax is the Belgrade Forest of Istanbul.

This forest is a good place to enjoy a weekend with family and friends. This forest is a very good place for picnics, jogging, cycling and tourists looking for fresh air.

Istanbul’s Belgrade Forest is one of the first places located in the easternmost point of the Chatalca Peninsula. The Belgrade Forest takes its name from the ambassador of Sultan Suleyman the Great in Belgrade, in this forest there are thousands of different plant species that are influenced by the Mediterranean and Central European climate.

Dozens of different animals can live in the Belgrade forest, as hunting is prohibited in the area. This is a vast forest area, located about 20 kilometers from Istanbul, and provides a beautiful and delightful view of the city.

Acquaintance with the forest of Belgrade, Istanbul

With around 5,500 hectares of forest and many species of birds and animals, Belgrade Forest is a peaceful haven. This forest has vast reservoirs that have supplied the city with water for centuries.

Dating back to the Byzantine era, the Belgrade Forest contains some of these historic cisterns, most of which were built in the 18th century.

Located between the northern areas of the city and the Black Sea, this forest is located only 15 kilometers north of Taksim Square and is one of the few remaining green spaces in Istanbul.

Belgrade Forest has long been an important natural resource for Istanbul. This forest has an area of more than 13 thousand hectares and serves as a water source for the city, and a network of aqueducts and water reservoirs still exists in the forest.

Today, this forest is only a quarter of its original size, but it is one of the most popular destinations for Istanbulites trying to escape from the daily life of the city.

The reason for naming the Belgrade forest in Istanbul

During Sultan Suleiman the Great’s return from the Serbian campaign in 1521, he brought many captives from Belgrade to his country. All these people are located in one place and they built a village there and named it Belgrade.

Turkish people evicted the villagers because they had polluted the city’s water. Later, this place became a recreational area and a green forest, that’s why this forest has been called Belgrade since then. During the Ottoman period, Belgrade Forest was given serious importance, the sultans considered it the heart of the city.

The flora and fauna of Belgrade, Istanbul forest

Belgrade Forest Belgrade Forest is a great escape for Istanbulites and foreigners alike. It is very easy to reach this place that has wonderful nature. Many people have a very enjoyable time here.

This forest has a delightful mix of trees including chestnut, beech, oriental birch, common sycamore and Anatolian chestnut. You can see many kinds of birds and animals such as mink, deer and snake and even fox or wolf in this forest.

Of course, other creatures also live in this forest, but there are no wild animals like lions, bears or wolves in this forest. Apart from that, you can also find many species of birds, wild boar, deer.

What should be done in the forest of Belgrade?

In the forest of Belgrade, tourists and local people of Turkey can have a wonderful breakfast with an amazing view of the lake, you can set up barbecue grills in different areas of this forest. You can also go biking, running, camping with your friends and family in this forest.

This forest, which is used as a resort today, has historical dams that were built to meet water needs.

Belgrade forest is very beautiful in every season of the year.

When should we go to Belgrade forest?

If you don’t want to go to this forest during the crowd and enjoy yourself. The best time is in the morning and in the middle of the week.

We should also say about the seasons, the best time to visit the Belgrade forest in Istanbul is spring and autumn, which are among the most ideal seasons to visit the Belgrade forest. Feel all the greenery of the forest, all the oxygen and chirping of birds in the deepest way.

How to go to Belgrade forest?

Belgrade Forest is located in the easternmost part of the Chatalca Peninsula. It extends to the Bosphorus in the east and the Black Sea in the north. If you want to go to this forest with your own vehicle, you have to go towards Maslak Sariyer.

You can get to Gokturk via Bahche evi, and to get here from Gokturk to the Belgrade Forest. If you plan to go to this forest by bus. Buses run on Saturdays and Sundays and start as early as 6:30am.