Göktürk Pond Recreation Area

For anyone tired of Istanbul’s crowds and bustle who wants to escape into nature, Göktürk Pond (Göktürk Göleti) is a rare refuge in what is practically the middle of the city. Despite its beauty this hidden corner is little known, and once you have been, it may well become your Istanbul getaway.

About Göktürk Pond

You can visit the recreation area for the day or, if you like, camp there with a tent or a caravan.

The pond was created to store water coming from the forests that surround Istanbul, and because its nature and atmosphere drew so much interest, it began welcoming visitors as a recreation area. The area, almost entirely ringed by forest in what is nearly central Istanbul, is known to be home to wild animals such as wild boar, wolves, jackals and foxes. So if you want to camp, it is worth asking the authorities about this first.

Göktürk Pond Recreation Area Entrance Fee

That fee, however, is for pedestrians. If you enter with any motor vehicle, the prices change a little;

If you want to camp inside with a tent or a caravan, the daily prices are as follows;

Where Göktürk Pond Is and How to Get There

The pond is very close to the centre of Göktürk. Take the Hasdal–Kemerburgaz Road to Göktürk centre, then turn onto İhsaniye Road; the pond is right at the start of that road.

If you prefer to go by bus, you can take the 48K or 48P lines from the Eyüp Municipality Road Maintenance bus stop.