Macka Demokrasi Parki (Macka Democracy Park): A Decent Park In the City
Macka Demokrasi Parki is one of the best parks in Istanbul. It is a very extensive park between Harbiye, Nisantasi, Macka, and Dolmabahce. You can walk, can run, can exercise, can come with your child, can choose a restaurant and sip a cup of coffee, and can sit and read your book. You can also take beautiful photos, no matter what time of the day and what season of the year. The flora of the park is also very rich.
There is a short telfer line between Macka and Taskısla. If you enter the park from the Taskisla gate, you'll see the entrance to the telfer. The park has a couple of other gates at Macka and Nisantasi. From Nisantasi gate, you can cross the road and enter Nisantasi Sanatcilar Parkı, where there are always lots of cats and sometimes art events.
The other buildings that are close to the park are: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel, Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall, Lutfi Kirdar Congress Centre, Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre, ITU Macka Kampus (formerly, Macka Armory). The Macka gate of the park is next to one of the most popular concert arenas of Istanbul, Kucukciftlik Park.
History
The first knowledge of the park dates back to 19th century. It is said that the park was a valley with a stream, with lots of trees and huts. People used to ride horses, picnic on the ground, and made boat tours on the stream and drink water from it. After 1970's, the park was neglected, became a home for homeless, so the people got cold feet of the park. In 1990's, the stream was unfortunately a sewage. However, it didn't stop lovers meet at the park secretly. After 1993, it was renovated.
Macka-Taskisla Telfer
This is a rather short telfer line. It eases the lives of Istanbulites. It especially connects the two campuses of Istanbul Technical University. It passes over the park. The cabins have 24 person capacity. If you want to try it, wait only for five minutes and buy one ticket for approximately 1 Euro or 1 Dolar.
Where is Macka Park?
Maçka park is on a slope, so be ready to walk upwards or downwards. There is a bus stop near Inonu Stadium. (There are many bus lines from Besiktas to Taksim that passes from there.) You can walk a little from the stop to the Macka gate, then walk upwards in the park and get out to Nisantasi Sanatcilar Parki. I suggest you to take your time and walk either from Taksim or from Nisantasi, and rest at the park.
