Florya Atatürk Forest

Atatürk Forest in Florya is a major new greening project that promises to become one of the main natural attractions of Istanbul. Located in the European part of the city on the site of the former Atatürk Airport, this future national park is designed to be the "green lungs" of the metropolis. Comparable in its ambition to Central Park in New York, the project transforms a vast space into a blooming oasis in the heart of Turkey.

The park is designed as an ideal place for relaxation and walks. Thousands of new trees will be planted on its territory, extensive landscaped zones will be created, and picturesque alleys will be laid out. It will be a true paradise for those seeking solitude with nature without leaving the city limits. The forest will become home to a variety of flora and fauna characteristic of the region.

A unique feature of Atatürk Forest is its immediate proximity to the Sea of Marmara. The project includes direct access to the coast via specially designed roads and the construction of an 885-meter-long pier. This combination of woodland and seascape will make the place truly special, offering visitors the chance to enjoy both the forest's cool shade and the fresh sea breeze.

Since Atatürk Forest is primarily a massive public park located on the site of a former airport in the Bakırköy district, it does not have a single visitor contact center. You can reach the park via public transport: for example, by taking metro line M1A to the former airport station (Havalimanı) or the Marmaray commuter rail to the Yeşilyurt or Yeşilköy stations. It is best to check the official websites of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality for the latest information on opening hours, available entrances, and events, as the park is a new and constantly evolving project.

Visitors to the Atatürk Forest in Florya can expect a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here, you can enjoy leisurely walks along numerous picturesque paths winding through more than 130,000 new trees, or set up a picnic in specially designated areas. Thanks to its unique location and access to the Sea of Marmara, park guests can not only breathe fresh forest air but also admire the seascapes from the new pier.

For those with an active lifestyle, the park offers excellent conditions. It features modern cycling and running tracks that are perfect for morning jogs or family bike rides. Families with children will appreciate the well-equipped play and entertainment zones where young visitors can have fun and spend time safely in the fresh air.

Beyond relaxation and sports, Atatürk Forest is also designed as a cultural hub. Various educational and cultural events are planned on its grounds, including festivals, environmental campaigns, and workshops. Furthermore, the park's natural diversity offers opportunities for birdwatching and studying local flora, making it an attractive spot for both residents of Istanbul and curious tourists.

Getting to the Atatürk Forest in Florya is quite simple thanks to its convenient location in the European part of Istanbul and a well-developed transport network. The park is located in the Florya district, near the Sea of Marmara coast and major highways. The main ways to get here are by public transport, car, or taxi, making it convenient for both tourists and locals alike.

The most convenient option for many is public transport. The Marmaray suburban train line passes near the park, allowing you to travel to one of the nearest stations. Additionally, numerous buses and dolmuses (shuttle taxis) run regularly from the city's central and tourist districts toward Florya and the former Atatürk Airport. This makes it easy to plan a route from almost anywhere in the metropolis.

If you prefer to travel by car, the trip will also be hassle-free as the park is situated near the city's key thoroughfares. Spacious parking areas are planned within the park for the convenience of visitors. A taxi ride is a comfortable alternative, allowing you to reach your destination quickly and without transfers.

The most striking fact about the Atatürk Forest in Florya, also known as the National Garden, lies in its origin. This massive park is being created on the site of the former Atatürk International Airport—once the main gateway to Istanbul and all of Turkey. Following the opening of the new Istanbul Airport in 2019 and the cessation of regular passenger flights, the decision was made for a large-scale transformation of this space. Thus, a location that for decades was a symbol of noise and technical progress is being turned into an oasis of peace and nature.

The greening project is impressive in its scope and ambition. More than 145,000 trees are being planted across an area of over 5 million square meters to create "green lungs" for the metropolis. Among them are not only young saplings but also unique "old-timers," such as 350-year-old olive trees specially relocated to the park. One of the park's gems will be the "Ab-ı Hayat Suyu" artificial stream, approximately 2.5 kilometers long, lined with relaxation areas and viewing terraces. This project is one of the world's largest conversions of an industrial zone into a recreational one.

In addition to its ecological mission, the park serves important social functions. A significant portion of its territory is designed as a disaster assembly area, where up to 40,000 tents for 165,000 people can be set up if necessary. This feature is particularly relevant for a city located in a seismically active zone. Interestingly, even before the main work on the park began, a hospital was quickly constructed on two former runways during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, as a tribute to the past, one of the runways has been preserved for use in emergency situations.

To fully appreciate the scale and diversity of the Atatürk Forest in Florya, it is recommended to set aside at least 3–4 hours for your visit. This will be enough time for a leisurely stroll through the main landscaped areas, exploring the picturesque alleys, and visiting the pier with a view of the Sea of Marmara. This timeframe allows you to get a general impression of the park without rushing.

If you are planning a more immersive experience, you can spend much more time in the park. For picnic lovers, families with children, or those who want to dedicate time to active pursuits like cycling or jogging along specially equipped paths, it is worth planning half a day or even a full day. The park's vast territory in Istanbul offers many secluded corners for a peaceful break in nature away from the city bustle.

At the moment, Atatürk Forest in Florya is a very new project, and although some parts may already be open to the public, official and permanent operating hours have not yet been established. As the park is in the final stages of development, the exact visiting schedule will be announced after all work is fully completed.

When planning a visit, it is highly recommended to check for the most up-to-date information on the schedule on the official Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality websites or other reliable local sources. Advance booking for entry is unlikely to be required as it is a public space, but it is worth following the news so as not to miss the official opening of all the park's zones.

Visiting Atatürk Forest in Florya is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature, but exploring the surrounding area will make your trip even more rewarding. The Florya district and adjacent parts of Istanbul offer many interesting spots, from entertainment centers to historical buildings, which can be a great addition to your itinerary.

Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to see different sides of the city and diversify your experience. After a peaceful stroll through the park, you can dive into the world of marine life, attend a sporting event, or discover new cultural sites located nearby.