Istanbul, the biggest metropolis of Turkey, hosts several plants and species due to its natural parks, groves, recreation areas and forest lands.
According to the announcement of the Governorship of Istanbul, our city possesses 240,353 hectares of forestland, which corresponds a 45% of the city’s total area, which include 126 recreational areas, 26 natural parks, 1 natural reserve and 4 wetlands. Due to the proper climate conditions, the Black sea coast have much more forestland compared to the south coast and hinterlands.
Some Best-known Forestlands of Istanbul:
Belgrad Forest, this forest forms the biggest portion of forestlands in European side of Istanbul. It occupies the northern region of European side.
Istanbul Urban Forest, resides in Yenimahalle neighbourhood of Beykoz district and Hekimbaşı neighbourhood of Ümraniye district. The forest involves the Elmalı Barrage. It is one of the biggest forests of Asian side together with Şile Forests.
Kayışdağı Forest, resides in Ataşehir and Maltepe districts and forms an extensive forestland in the southland of Asian side.
Born and raised in Istanbul where I’m a medical student at YeditepeUniversity.
Photo Credits: , Ersin Tuban