Bahçeköy

Description

It is a neighborhood surrounded by Belgrade Forest, known for its historical waterways inherited from the Ottoman Empire and its deep-rooted settlement.

Story

Bahçeköy is one of the oldest settlements in the southern part of Sarıyer, opening to the heart of Belgrade Forest. It was established during the Ottoman period as a center where forest workers, waterway guards, and dam masters lived. For this reason, Bahçeköy's identity is intertwined with the historical water infrastructure of Belgrade Forest. Valide Dam, Topuzlu Dam, and other Ottoman water structures located near the village have increased Bahçeköy's strategic importance in the region over centuries. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the village served as an important outpost for the security of waterways; the aqueducts and dams within the forest were protected by military units stationed here. During that period, residents of Bahçeköy worked in both forest maintenance and water engineering, thus the village became known as a community with high technical expertise. A large part of Belgrade Forest is within Bahçeköy's borders. Therefore, the village remains highly important today as one of the main entry points to the forest. The presence of significant scientific institutions such as Istanbul University Faculty of Forestry and Atatürk Arboretum in the vicinity positions Bahçeköy as a central hub for both nature and academia. The old streets of the village, its stone-walled gardens, nostalgic cafes, and traditional houses still carry a Balkan-Ottoman mixed village character. Although the modern settlement texture has grown, Bahçeköy is one of the few regions in Istanbul that preserves its historical village feel.

Visit Tips

• Access to Belgrade Forest is easy from Bahçeköy.
• Village streets are narrow, so exploring on foot is more enjoyable.
• It can be planned together with the Arboretum and forest routes.
• Weekend traffic can be heavy.

Photos