Here in Istanbul’s Eyüpsultan district lies a tale of modern transformation. This is the story of 5. Levent Mahallesi. This neighborhood is more than just a collection of buildings. It represents Istanbul’s ever evolving spirit.
5. Levent wasn’t always its own entity. Previously, it belonged to the larger Güzeltepe Mahallesi. But on January 7, 2021, the Eyüpsultan Municipality Council made a pivotal decision. It established 5. Levent as a distinct neighborhood. This marked a new chapter in its history.
Administratively, 5. Levent shares borders with several other significant neighborhoods. These include Mithatpaşa, Mimarsinan, Akşemsettin, Alibeyköy and Çırçır to the west. To the east, it meets Kâğıthane Hamidiye. To the south, it borders Sultangazi’s 75.Yıl and Zübeyde Hanım neighborhoods plus Gaziosmanpaşa’s Mevlana neighborhood.
Notably, 5. Levent extends north to the Alibey Dam. It includes the Hasdal district, Hasdal Barracks, Hasdal Cemetery and Alibeyköy Bus Terminal within its boundaries. This geographical spread contributes to its diverse character.
Today, 5. Levent is home to about 12,079 residents as of 2023. The neighborhood thrives with educational institutions. These range from primary schools to universities. Among them are Eyüpsultan Hacı Osman Torun Anatolian Imam Hatip Secondary School and Mimar Sinan Secondary School. Mimar Sinan Primary School and Neşe Erberk Kindergarten cater to younger students. For higher education, there is the esteemed Haliç University.
Religious life is vibrant here. Several mosques serve the community. These include Finanskent Hasan Kalyoncu Mosque, Hacı Osman Torun Mosque, 5. Levent Mosque and Haliç University Mosque. These sacred spaces provide solace and community connection.
5. Levent boasts excellent connectivity. A network of buses serves the area. These include lines 36G, 36L, 36Z, 47A and many others. These buses connect 5. Levent to various parts of Istanbul. The Alibeyköy Metro station further enhances accessibility. This makes commuting easier for residents.
The 5. Levent project itself is notable for its green spaces. Over 2,000 trees of 200 different types were planted here. Lavender orchards, a greenhouse for seasonal flowers and jasmine-lined roads offer residents a peaceful environment. Picnic areas filled with endemic plants further enhance this natural harmony. Green spaces constitute about 50% of the project’s land.
For recreation and leisure, 5. Levent offers a running track, swimming pools and a fitness center. There is also a basketball court, bicycle roads, a tennis court and a football field. Families appreciate the picnic area, festival square and children’s playground. Thematic playgrounds and a climbing wall add to the fun. Essential amenities like a market, restaurants, cafes, a pharmacy and a hairdresser are also available.
Strategically located on a hill in the Sultan Eyup region, 5. Levent benefits from its proximity to the E80 highway. This vital route provides easy access to Istanbul’s new airport and the Eurasia tunnel. The neighborhood is also close to essential services like schools, hospitals and shopping centers.
The development of 5. Levent was undertaken by two major construction companies. KİPTAŞ, established in 1987, has built approximately 75,000 residences in Istanbul. Torunlar GYO, founded in 1977, has been a key player in the Turkish construction and real estate market. Together, they have shaped 5. Levent into a modern residential haven.
5. Levent is a testament to Istanbul’s dynamic growth. From its roots as part of Güzeltepe to its current status as a thriving neighborhood, it embodies progress. Its blend of modern living and green spaces makes it a unique place to live. Its accessibility and community facilities enhance the quality of life for its residents. As you explore 5. Levent, remember that you are walking through a neighborhood that is still writing its story.