Wondering where you can escape city stress? Ayvat Bendi Tabiat Parkı offers a green haven. This nature park combines history and natural beauty. It is a peaceful escape for visitors seeking fresh air.
Ayvat Bendi Tabiat Parkı sits in Istanbul’s Eyüp district. Specifically, it’s in Kemerburgaz near Forest Kemerburgaz Macera Parkı. From Mecidiyeköy, a half-hour drive brings you here. Public transport is also an option using the 48 or 48C IETT buses. Alternatively, take the Yenikapı-Hacıosman metro to İTÜ Ayazağa station. From there, the 48L or 48C bus will get you here.
Paying to enter Ayvat Bendi Tabiat Parkı won’t break the bank. Walkers and cyclists pay a small fee. Motorbikes and cars have slightly higher fees. The park got its name from the Ayvat Dam. Sultan Mustafa III built it in 1765. The dam sits on the Ayvat Creek.
Prepare for photo opportunities at Ayvat Bendi Tabiat Parkı. The views around the dam are stunning. You will find picture-perfect scenes for social media. Oak and hornbeam trees create a fairytale forest as you walk.
The park is home to diverse flora and fauna. The 50-hectare park hosts various plant and animal species. You might spot wild boars or golden jackals. Deer and foxes also roam here. Bird watchers can see hawks and woodpeckers. Sparrows and other birds are common.
Walking and running paths abound here. Excellent cycling routes also wind through the park. Enjoy exercising surrounded by nature’s sounds. Picnic spots with tables are available. However, fires are prohibited. Pack sandwiches for an enjoyable outing. Kurt Kemeri Social Facilities offers refreshments if you get hungry. This facility is run by Eyüp Municipality. It provides a great break.
You can even camp at Ayvat Bendi Tabiat Parkı. Camping is free here. Remember fires are not allowed. Prepare accordingly. Toilets are available. However, there are no showers.
Established in 2011, Ayvat Bendi Tabiat Parkı is one of nine nature parks within Belgrad Forest. The park boasts diverse tree species. These include Turkey oak and Oriental beech. Common hornbeam and common alder are also present. Shrub species add to the greenery. European ivy and butcher’s-broom can be found.
If you are arriving by car, you can reach Ayvat Bendi Nature Park from the west via Kemerburgaz. You can also come from the east via Bahçeköy, Sarıyer.