Beykoz Grove

Description

It is a historical grove known for its natural walking paths and vast green areas.

Story

Beykoz Grove is one of Istanbul's largest and oldest groves. The area, which was used as a hunting ground and a picnic spot for sultans during the Ottoman period, has managed to preserve its natural state for centuries. Especially during the reigns of Selim III and Mahmud II, the grove was frequently visited, and sultans participated in festivals and hunting parties organized here. The enormous plane trees, stone pines, and chestnut trees in the area carry the historical texture of the grove to the present day. In the 19th century, the grove became a recreation and entertainment venue for palace members. Its pavilions and viewpoints offer some of the most beautiful views of the Bosphorus. The grove also has a natural ecosystem fed by water sources and streams. For this reason, it still stands as a strong green area amidst Istanbul's urbanization wave. During the Republican era, the grove was opened to public use and arranged with tea gardens, walking paths, and observation terraces. Especially in the 1970s and 1980s, Beykoz Grove held an important place in the weekend picnic culture of Istanbulites. Today, it continues to exist as one of Istanbul's most peaceful natural areas. The grove, with its unspoiled nature, quiet walking paths, and bird songs, is an ideal escape point for nature lovers. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, the interior of the grove is always a few degrees cooler, and the oxygen level is high.

Visit Tips

• Admission is free.
• It can be crowded on weekends due to picnics.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking paths.
• The Bosphorus view terrace must be seen.

Photos