Belgrade Forest

Belgrad Forest[1] (Turkish: Belgrad Orman) is a mixed deciduous forest lying adjacent to Istanbul, Turkey. It is named after the village next to the forest, settled by thousands of Serbs who were deported to the capital Constantinople from the city of Belgrade in 1521,[2] when it fell to the Ottomans. Geographically, the forest is located at the easternmost point of the Thracian Peninsula. Forest terrain is divided between Saryer and Eyp districts. Several historical reservoirs lie within the forest.

The Thracian village of Belgrad (from which the forest takes its name) was named after the thousands of Serbs that Suleiman the Magnificent had transferred to Thrace after the 1521 Siege of Belgrade.[3][4][5]

Belgrade Forest

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With a region around 5,500 hectares of forest it houses many plant, bird and animal species. The most common tree in the forest is sessile oak (Quercus petraea). Belgrad Forest is under protection and is one of the most visited recreational areas of Istanbul. The building of the western section of the motorway running over the 3rd Bosphorus bridge (opened 2016) which runs through the northern part of the forest, the expansion of Istanbul (Maslak etc. ), the settlements which surround the forest, and new roads question the practical effect of the protection.[6]

In the forest there were two separate channeling systems. The older of the two was the Krkeme system that directed water into town Erikap hard against the city walls. Many of the aqueducts and reservoirs that supported this system were originally built in Roman and Byzantine times, but in the 16th century Suleiman the Magnificent commissioned the Ottoman architect Sinan to upgrade it all for the new aqueduct system that would lead into his city. The result was a series of magnificent aqueducts that criss-cross the roads near Kemerburgaz. The Malova Aqueduct is the largest, with its exceptional architecture, strength and structure, and with a little effort is accessible to the public from both ends and can be safely walked through on its lower level. The Kemerburgaz aqueduct can be similarly traversed. The newly restored Uzunkemer still stands right across a busy road in the forest (not traversable).

Eating & Drinking: One of the most common things for locals and travelers to do in Istanbul is to take a trip to the Belgrad Forest on the weekend to escape from the heat in the spring and summer months. There are areas specifically for recreation and travelers are even allowed to use portable barbecues to enjoy with friends and family. There are seven main picnic areas in the Forest; the most popular destination is Byk Bent. This area has its own cafe where you are able to bring your own food and cook on the long wooden tables; drinks and snacks are sold on-site.[9] If you are planning on cooking your own BBQ, it is suggested that you pay attention and use caution as firefighting facilities are not well prepared to deal with forest fires in the area.[10] There are also a few other cafes scattered around the forest, making the area metropolis in some areas, however, most of the areas in the forest consist of wildlife.

Problems with water in Belgrade Forest

Three of the most important water basins on the European side of Istanbul are in Sazldere, Alibeyky, and Kathane. These three water basins are expanding by absorbing the rivulet tributaries of the Sazldere, Alibeyky, and Kathane rivers, shelter the most important green spaces of Istanbul where the northern forest waters drain. The Forest, located at the northern-most point of the Kathane rivulet, is the best-preserved forest in the Kathane basin. This green swath running through the history of the city continues to bring water to Istanbul through its seven historic aqueducts.1

Another problem is the haphazard draining of underground reservoirs that have or have not been properly inspected. In the past, water was tapped from 80-100m below the surface; now, due to excessive water removal, the water level has dropped to 200m underground. The excessive draining of water and the water level dropping to greater depths will harm the forest in the long term. The dieback in predominantly older or weaker trees in dry periods has increased primarily because of lack of water, and secondarily due to pests like insects and fungi. The Belgrade Forest gives us abundant examples of this phenomenon.

@Becca, yes, Jason and I both liked the roka much better than boring lettuce. Nice and peppery! I highly recommend it while you can still get some summer tomatoes. :-)

@Andrew, thank you! I was very happy with the first forest photo in this post. The depth, the light - and I didn't realize it at the time. Nice escape from the city.

Geographically, the forest is located at the easternmost point of the Thracian Peninsula. It stretches between the Black Sea and Bosphorus. Forest terrain is divided between Saryer (Baheky) and Eyp districts. Several historical reservoirs lie within the forest.

During the Ottoman Empire, the area of the forest was approximately 13,000 hectares. Although diminished to 5442 hectares today, it still houses many species of plants, birds, and mammals (including deer and wild boar). The most common tree in the forest is Sessile Oak. (Quercus petraea) Belgrade Forest is under protection and is one of the most visited recreational areas of Istanbul.

Since my own foray to the Kastamonu Market where those startling orange intar mushrooms were so plentiful, mushrooms are now on my radar. I realise I know more or less nothing about them. Did you know that they have no nutrition whatsoever? And that there are so many varieties in colours ranging from tawny brown to pale purple, yellow and creamy beige? We also learnt that what we see above ground is only a fraction of the system underground and that mushrooms are essential to the ecology of forest life. Another fascinating fact: mushrooms are not a Moslem thing which explains why you hardly see any interesting varieties around. The people are wary of wild mushrooms.

In the heart of the wonderful city of Istanbul, there is a charming green oasis known as the Belgrade Forest. These forests are considered one of the most important tourist attractions in the city, as they provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy picturesque nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of the bustling city. The Forest embraces a unique biological diversity and is one of the most important natural sites in Istanbul.

Belgrade forest in Istanbul: It is a great destination for nature lovers, photography professionals, and backpackers. Forests are a natural extension of the Belgrade Archaeological District, where visitors can explore the enchanting landscape and enjoy the fresh air. The Forest has walking trails, picnic spots, and small cafs, making it an ideal place for a fun day outdoors.

In Istanbul, there is one of the most beautiful natural areas full of beauty and charm, which is the Forest. These forests are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and provide an ideal place for trekking and nature walks. In this section, we will look at some of the natural attractions of the Forest.

Biodiversity conservation plays a crucial role in preserving forests and their biota such as the Belgrade Forest in Istanbul. Maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and preserving biodiversity is an important factor in ensuring the sustainability of wildlife and the provision of essential natural resources. In addition, preserving forests and protecting their wildlife is part of the environmental responsibility of society and a contribution to building a better future for future generations.

is one of the quiet and amazing natural attractions. These forests provide a great exploration experience for travelers who want to spend their time in nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here is a list of activities available that deserve attention.

We would love to go hiking for one day in Belgrade forest, but getting there seems a bit difficult and long since we don't have a car and live in Kadikoy. I wanted to ask if anyone here knows a better, affordable way(Bus station, metro line, etc.) other than Google Maps's directions. By the way, taking a cab is out of option for us cause it will cost a fortune :D

This natural forest is located 15 km northwest of Istanbul and because of its pristine nature and wildlife that attracts a lot of tourists, especially in the summer, this forest can be a good haven to escape from the heat of the city.

The wildlife situation in these forests has improved since the hunting ban. And when you walk quietly in the jungle, you will hear animals rustling like a weasel coming out of its den for a short hike and walking on dry branches.

As for plants, oak trees make up the largest number of small-leafed trees in this forest, after that the oriental birch, trumpet ray and Anatolian chestnut trees are the main vegetation of Belgrade forests.

We also suggest that you take advantage of the tables available for barbecue in this area and start cooking kebabs yourself, as in the middle of the forest there is a large barbecue area where you can use its facilities.

The forest also houses the first ever nursery of Turkey, Ataturk Arboretum. It was originally started in 1916 and continues till date. It is estimated that the nursery has about 2000 Turkish as well as foreign plant species.

In Ottoman times, royalty used the forest as a hunting ground and water supply. Visitors to the forest are likely to stumble upon one of 7 impressive dams that were built by the Ottomans 500 years ago. The dams are still used to supply 25 million cubic meters of water to Istanbul each year.

Although water storage is still the primary use of the forest, it is now a popular recreational area for picnickers, hikers, runners, and cyclists. The forest is also the living laboratory for research carried out by the Forestry Department at Istanbul University. ff782bc1db