Atatürk Arboretum (Sarıyer), Istanbul -Discover a Different Side of Istanbul Among the Trees

Discover a Different Side of Istanbul Among the Trees

As you walk through Atatürk Arboretum, the first thing you may notice is the quiet. The traffic, horns and crowds of Istanbul seem far away. Sunlight filters through the trees, shimmering across the surface of a pond. In autumn, golden leaves drift onto the water, while spring brings fresh growth and new shades of green. The same path can look completely different from one season to the next.

Located in Bahçeköy, in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district, near Belgrad Forest, Atatürk Arboretum is much more than a place to spend time outdoors. It is a living botanical collection where trees and woody plant species from different parts of the world are cultivated, studied and conserved.

A visit offers more than beautiful scenery. It is an opportunity to observe how trees grow, how different species respond to the same climate, and how nature changes slowly but continuously.

The History of Atatürk Arboretum

The establishment of Atatürk Arboretum began in 1949. The idea was proposed by Professor Hayrettin Kayacık of Istanbul University’s Faculty of Forestry, who envisioned an arboretum near Bahçeköy for scientific study and the cultivation of trees and other woody plants.

Camille Guinet, an expert associated with the botanical garden at the Sorbonne University in France, was invited to Istanbul to help prepare the project. After the initial work, progress slowed for various reasons, and the development of the arboretum continued over many years through different phases of infrastructure and planting.

In 1982, the site received the name Atatürk Arboretum to mark the centenary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s birth.

Today, the arboretum operates under the General Directorate of Forestry. It serves as an important resource for scientific research, environmental education and the study of plant diversity.

Its purpose is not simply to create an attractive park. By bringing together different species of trees and woody plants, the arboretum supports research into their growth, contributes to the conservation of plant diversity and provides opportunities for scientific observation.

What Is an Arboretum? How Is It Different from an Ordinary Park?

Understanding the word arboretum can make your visit more meaningful.

An arboretum is a specialised botanical collection in which trees and woody plants are cultivated for scientific, educational and conservation purposes. In a typical urban park, recreation, exercise and social activities may take priority. In an arboretum, the emphasis is on identifying plants, observing their development and preserving their scientific value.

For this reason, Atatürk Arboretum should not be treated like an ordinary picnic area. It is a protected environment where the conservation of plants and their surroundings comes first.

You can spend time identifying different tree species, noticing the shapes of their leaves or observing how various plants change throughout the same season. These small discoveries are part of what makes a visit worthwhile.

If you want to understand nature rather than simply admire the scenery, this is where the arboretum reveals its real value.

Ponds, Walking Paths and Trees

The ponds surrounded by trees are among the most photographed features of Atatürk Arboretum. Branches reflected on still water can create particularly beautiful scenes when there is little wind.

Yet the arboretum’s appeal extends well beyond its ponds. Along the walking paths, different tree forms, bark textures and leaf shapes invite closer attention. Some trees stand out because of their impressive trunks, others because of the arrangement of their branches, while some become especially striking as their colours change with the seasons.

Take your time as you walk. Look at the trunk of a tree, notice how its branches divide or examine the shape of a fallen leaf. Small details like these can turn an ordinary nature walk into a more thoughtful exploration.

The scenery changes throughout the year. In spring, fresh leaves and bright green tones dominate. In summer, the shade of the trees accompanies your walk. Autumn brings shades of yellow, orange and red, while winter reveals the shapes of branches and trunks that are less visible when the trees are covered in leaves.

Every season does not offer the same beauty. Each season reveals something different.

The Best Time to Visit Atatürk Arboretum

Autumn: One of the most popular seasons, thanks to changing leaf colours and reflections on the ponds. It can be particularly rewarding for photography, although visitor numbers may increase considerably.

Spring: A wonderful time to see new leaves emerging and plants returning to life. It is ideal for visitors who enjoy fresh green landscapes and seasonal changes.

Summer: Dense foliage and shaded paths become the main attractions. The surrounding woodland can offer a different atmosphere even on warm days.

Winter: Visitors seeking a quieter landscape can appreciate the silhouettes of bare branches and the textures of tree trunks. Check the weather and walking conditions, particularly after rain.

There is no single perfect hour for photography. Soft morning light and the changing light later in the day can produce very different results. Checking the weather and opening hours before your visit is a good idea.

Photography Tips for Visitors

Atatürk Arboretum attracts photographers, particularly around its ponds and beneath the natural frames created by the trees.

To capture more interesting images, look beyond the ponds themselves. Reflections on the water, the lines formed by branches, the texture of leaves and sunlight filtering through the canopy can all create compelling compositions.

Autumn foliage, fresh spring growth and the silhouettes of trees in winter offer different photographic possibilities.

However, the arboretum’s primary purpose is not professional photography or social media content creation. Its main priorities are plant conservation and scientific research. Special permission or additional fees may apply to professional photo and video shoots, so check the requirements in advance.

During your visit, avoid damaging plants, remain on designated paths and respect other visitors who have come to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Where Is Atatürk Arboretum, and How Do You Get There?

Location: Bahçeköy, Sarıyer, Istanbul, near Belgrad Forest, along the Kemerburgaz–Bahçeköy road.

Public transport: Buses serving Bahçeköy and Sarıyer can be useful options. The most convenient route depends on where you are travelling from, and you may need to walk part of the way. Check current routes before setting off.

By car: You can reach the area by travelling through Sarıyer towards Bahçeköy. Keep in mind that visitor numbers can rise at weekends and during the autumn season.

How much time should you allow? Around 1.5–3 hours is a good starting point if you want to explore the walking paths at a relaxed pace, spend time by the ponds and observe the plants. Visitors interested in a more detailed exploration may wish to stay longer.

Visitor Rules and Important Information

Atatürk Arboretum should not be treated like a conventional picnic or recreation area. Visitors are expected to follow rules designed to protect the botanical collection and its natural surroundings.

• Avoid picnics, barbecues and activities that could damage the plants.
• Follow any restrictions on cycling, ball games and similar activities.
• Check the current rules regarding food and drinks before entering.
• Do not damage plants, break branches or collect natural materials. Avoid picking leaves or other plant parts.
• Find out in advance whether professional photography or filming requires special permission.
• Remember that opening hours may change depending on the season or management arrangements.

Important: Current admission fees and opening hours can change. Check the official Atatürk Arboretum website before visiting, and do not assume that older prices or schedules published online are still valid.

Official website: https://ataturkarboretumu.ogm.gov.tr/

Telephone: +90 212 226 19 29

Why Is Atatürk Arboretum Worth Visiting?

Istanbul is often remembered for its crowds, historic monuments, traffic and lively streets. Atatürk Arboretum reveals another side of the city: a place where time seems to slow down, the seasons become visible and small details begin to matter.

Its value lies not only in the reflections on the ponds or the golden leaves of autumn. It also lies in the preservation of diverse plant species, the scientific work carried out here and the opportunity it gives visitors to understand nature more closely.

As you retrace your steps along the same path at the end of your visit, you may find yourself looking at the trees more carefully than when you arrived. Sometimes, truly seeing a place means more than remembering its scenery. It means beginning to notice the details that make that scenery what it is.