Istanbul, the vibrant metropolis straddling Europe and Asia, is not only known for its rich history and bustling city life but also for its growing emphasis on green space and parks. As the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul recognizes the importance of providing its residents and visitors with serene and verdant environments amidst the urban hustle. With an increasing number of public gardens, parks, and green spaces, Istanbul offers a refreshing escape from the city's bustling streets, where people can immerse themselves in nature, enjoy recreational activities, and find moments of relaxation. These green areas play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life, promoting environmental sustainability, and creating a harmonious balance between urban development and natural beauty in the dynamic city of Istanbul. one of these places is Istanbul's "millet bahçeleri".
Istanbul's "millet bahçeleri," also known as public gardens, have a twofold purpose: to expand the city's green areas in line with its environmentally conscious policies and to offer a delightful respite from urban life in Turkey's largest metropolis.
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change is overseeing this ambitious undertaking, which is being hailed as "the most significant green initiative in the history of the republic." Their goal is to achieve a staggering 100 million square meters of green space by 2028.
In Istanbul, a bustling city with nearly 16 million residents, the opening of 15 public gardens has substantially increased the amount of green space per person.
These public gardens not only feature lush greenery but also provide recreational spaces, including playgrounds for children and captivating waterfalls.
According to the latest data from Anadolu Agency (AA), two more gardens are soon to be unveiled, and an additional 23 gardens are currently in various stages of construction and planning.
Numerous districts on both the Anatolian and European sides of Istanbul have embraced this project. Examples include Baruthane Public Garden, Esenler 15 July Public Garden, Küçükçekmece Halkalı Public Garden, Nakkaştepe Public Garden, and Yıldız Technical University Garden. Work is ongoing for the completion of the largest garden, Atatürk Airport Public Garden, whose first phase was inaugurated in May.
Meanwhile, public space projects are also underway in several locations, such as Beşiktaş, Sultangazi's Cebeci, Güngören, Küçükpiyale in Beyoğlu, Bayrampaşa, Kağıthane on the European side, and Beykoz, Ümraniye, Samandıra, Aydos in Samandıra, and Burla Brothers Grove in Pendik on the Anatolian side.
The first phase of the Atatürk Airport Public Garden spans an impressive 499,000 square meters and welcomed visitors during a rally held by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) prior to the general and presidential elections last month. The garden has already seen the planting of around 10,000 trees and approximately 41,000 plants.
Another notable public garden is Başakşehir Public Garden, covering an area of 280,000 square meters and offering a wide range of facilities. This garden boasts lavender and camellias, as well as a unique self-cleaning pond spanning 15,600 square meters.
Visitors, like Filiz Sönmez, have expressed their delight with Başakşehir Public Garden, emphasizing the value of having a place to enjoy fresh air with relatives and neighbors in a densely populated city like Istanbul.
One of the remarkable public gardens is the 15 July Public Garden in the Esenler district, which holds the distinction of being the first city park in the country. Situated on 326,000 square meters of land covered with natural greenery, it offers amenities such as walking and cycling paths, sports activities, picnic areas, children's playgrounds, entertainment zones, open-air reading spaces, and a prayer room. Visitors, including Refika Çevik and Aygül Selvi, appreciate the natural beauty and the relief these public gardens bring to the area.
Nakkaştepe Public Garden, situated near the July 15 Martyrs Bridge in Üsküdar, provides a captivating view of the Bosporus and features terraces overlooking the sea. It offers sports and fitness areas, a tennis court, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, an adventure track, a nature explorer workshop, a zipline, and a grass amphitheater, attracting locals and families on weekends.
Ümraniye Public Garden, located in the Anatolian part of the city, is a particular attraction for barbecue enthusiasts. This garden offers various amenities such as walking and bicycle paths, football, basketball, and volleyball courts, 12 children's play areas, and a mini-golf court.
During the recent Environment Week celebration in early June, nine new public gardens were unveiled in the provinces of Adıyaman, Giresun, Düzce, Bursa, Bolu, Afyonkarahisar, Adana, Sivas, and Erzincan. These gardens collectively cover nearly 1.5 million square meters of green space.
Istanbul's "millet bahçeleri," also known as public gardens, have a twofold purpose: to expand the city's green areas in line with its environmentally conscious policies and to offer a delightful respite from urban life in Turkey's largest metropolis.
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change is overseeing this ambitious undertaking, which is being hailed as "the most significant green initiative in the history of the republic." Their goal is to achieve a staggering 100 million square meters of green space by 2028.
In Istanbul, a bustling city with nearly 16 million residents, the opening of 15 public gardens has substantially increased the amount of green space per person.
These public gardens not only feature lush greenery but also provide recreational spaces, including playgrounds for children and captivating waterfalls.
According to the latest data from Anadolu Agency (AA), two more gardens are soon to be unveiled, and an additional 23 gardens are currently in various stages of construction and planning.
Numerous districts on both the Anatolian and European sides of Istanbul have embraced this project. Examples include Baruthane Public Garden, Esenler 15 July Public Garden, Küçükçekmece Halkalı Public Garden, Nakkaştepe Public Garden, and Yıldız Technical University Garden. Work is ongoing for the completion of the largest garden, Atatürk Airport Public Garden, whose first phase was inaugurated in May.
Meanwhile, public space projects are also underway in several locations, such as Beşiktaş, Sultangazi's Cebeci, Güngören, Küçükpiyale in Beyoğlu, Bayrampaşa, Kağıthane on the European side, and Beykoz, Ümraniye, Samandıra, Aydos in Samandıra, and Burla Brothers Grove in Pendik on the Anatolian side.
The first phase of the Atatürk Airport Public Garden spans an impressive 499,000 square meters and welcomed visitors during a rally held by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) prior to the general and presidential elections last month. The garden has already seen the planting of around 10,000 trees and approximately 41,000 plants.
Another notable public garden is Başakşehir Public Garden, covering an area of 280,000 square meters and offering a wide range of facilities. This garden boasts lavender and camellias, as well as a unique self-cleaning pond spanning 15,600 square meters.
Visitors, like Filiz Sönmez, have expressed their delight with Başakşehir Public Garden, emphasizing the value of having a place to enjoy fresh air with relatives and neighbors in a densely populated city like Istanbul.
One of the remarkable public gardens is the 15 July Public Garden in the Esenler district, which holds the distinction of being the first city park in the country. Situated on 326,000 square meters of land covered with natural greenery, it offers amenities such as walking and cycling paths, sports activities, picnic areas, children's playgrounds, entertainment zones, open-air reading spaces, and a prayer room. Visitors, including Refika Çevik and Aygül Selvi, appreciate the natural beauty and the relief these public gardens bring to the area.
Nakkaştepe Public Garden, situated near the July 15 Martyrs Bridge in Üsküdar, provides a captivating view of the Bosporus and features terraces overlooking the sea. It offers sports and fitness areas, a tennis court, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, an adventure track, a nature explorer workshop, a zipline, and a grass amphitheater, attracting locals and families on weekends.
Ümraniye Public Garden, located in the Anatolian part of the city, is a particular attraction for barbecue enthusiasts. This garden offers various amenities such as walking and bicycle paths, football, basketball, and volleyball courts, 12 children's play areas, and a mini-golf court.
During the recent Environment Week celebration in early June, nine new public gardens were unveiled in the provinces of Adıyaman, Giresun, Düzce, Bursa, Bolu, Afyonkarahisar, Adana, Sivas, and Erzincan. These gardens collectively cover nearly 1.5 million square meters of green space.