Belgrad Forest: The Green Lungs of Istanbul

Belgrad Forest is one of breathing areas of Istanbulites. It is close to Bahcekoy and Ataturk Arboretum. Its natural confines are the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. At Byzantium and Ottoman times, it was the most important spring for drinking water. Today, its water isn't enough for Istanbul, so it is mainly referred as a recreational area.

There is a road for the ones who want to go to the picnic area with car, but I'd recommend walking. One way average speed walk and stopping by the sights around takes about one hour. And one hour back. The only difficulty of walking is walking with the cars passing by.

The Barrage of Sultan Mahmud

Before the long walk, you have a short walk that takes you to a small stream (there are three streams in the forest: Ayvat, Topuz and Neset), picnic tables, and the barrage of Sultan Mahmud. There are six historical barrages in and around Belgrad forest: Komurcu Barrage (1620), Big Barrage (1724), Ayvat Barrage (1765), Valide Barrage (1796), Kirazli Barrage (1818), and the Barrage of Sultan Mahmud (1839). Kirazli Barrage is now within the confines of Ataturk Arboretum.

This barrage is made at the reign of Sultan Mahmud II. It is a little bit away from Valide Barrage. It is also called the New Barrage. The area was bare before Sultan Mahmud, but he wanted that area be afforested. Today, the trees around the road that goes to the barrage are almost two centuries old.


There is a historical gate at the bottom and an Ottoman emblem on the top. There is a walk way above, but it is forbidden to pass behind the bars, due to safety concerns.

Picnic area

After you walk about an hour, you'll reach the picnic area, which is the part that I dislike about Belgrad Forest. Especially on week ends, there are so many people that sweeps all the joy of the long walk. Noises, odors, and no empty seats. I had shared the melancholia of the lovely horse below.

How to get to Belgrad Forest?

Belgrad Forest isn't very central, but it isn't hard to get there. You can either get on 42T bus from Taksim or 42HM from Haciosman Metro. Actually, 42T goes from coastal road which usually has a heavy traffic jam, so I find coming the long way with metro and then going on with the bus more logical.