ATATURK ARBORETUM
ATATURK ARBORETUM
The Atatürk Arboretum, which is affiliated to the Istanbul Forestry Directorate, is spread over an area of 345 hectares. The work was started in 1949 thanks to the idea presented by a faculty member. In 1982, the arboretum was named Atatürk because of Atatürk’s 100th birthday.
The main purpose of the arboretum, which is also a tree museum, is to gather and preserve different types of trees and to conduct research. Today, many projects are carried out and informative studies are carried out for people of all ages such as primary school, high school and university. If you want to be enchanted by this natural beauty under the trees, to see different plants together and to be informed about it, you should visit the Atatürk Arboretum.
WHERE IS ATATURK ARBORETUM? HOW TO GO?
It is located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, next to the Belgrad Forest.
If you are coming by public transportation, you should go Hacıosman station by metro then take the bus 42H that goes to the Bahçeköy route. After getting off at Bahçeköy, you can reach the arboretum by walking a little. To reach Bahçeköy, you can also take buses numbered 42T, departing from Taksim, 42M departing from Zincirlikuyu metro station, and 153 departing from Sarıyer, apart from 42H.
If you wish, it is also possible to come with your own private vehicle. You can reach Bahçeköy from Kilyos by following the Maslak-Sarıyer route. There are also car parks around the Arboretum where you can park your car.
WHAT’S INSIDE THE ATATURK ARBORETUM?
You can take a nice walk in Atatürk Arboretum, which is a huge tree park, with fresh air and a view where you can see every shade of green. You can take great photos. There are 3 artificial lakes and more than 1500 plant species in the arboretum, which is created by bringing together various kinds of trees. Also, the first nursery in Turkey is located here. It is a very important place as a research area of many departments such as students and faculty members of Istanbul University Faculty of Forestry, Ministry of Forestry, landscape architects and forest engineers.
THE INFORMATIONS THAT HAS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING HERE:
Picnics and barbecues are prohibited inside. It is also prohibited to bring food from outside. Since this place is also a research and project area, it is prohibited both to protect the natural area and to continue research. However, on the way to the arboretum, there are cafes where you can have breakfast and have a drink.
Another must-know rule is about pets, bikes, and motorcycles. It is forbidden to enter and visit by motorcycle or bicycle. Also, pets are not allowed inside.
WHEN TO GO TO ATATURK ARBORETUM?
It is a beautiful place in every season with its dazzling greenery in summer and a unique combination of red and orange tones in autumn. We can only recommend you to go on weekdays if you don’t like crowded environments.
VISITING HOURS AND ENTRANCE FEES:
It is open every day of the week except Mondays. It is open between 08:30 and 20:00 in the summer months. In winter, it is open to visitors between 08.30 and 17.00.
Entrance fees are 20 TL for adults and 7.5 TL for students. It is free for students of Istanbul University Faculty of Forestry.
Also, the museum card is not valid.
