Esenler Bölge Parkı

Beyond the city’s clamor, nestled in Esenler, lies Esenler Bölge Parkı. A haven of tranquility, it whispers tales of transformation. Originally part of the Metris Prison grounds, this land held a different purpose. In 2009, during Kurban Bayramı, it served as a bustling kurban pazarı, a livestock market for the holiday’s ritual sacrifices. Imagine the bleating of sheep and the murmur of bartering echoing across this very spot. Esenler Bölge Parkı, as we know it today, began to take shape in 2010. Its foundation was laid, a promise of green amidst the urban sprawl. A year later, in a grand ceremony attended by then-Mayor of Istanbul Kadir Topbaş and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Esenler Bölge Parkı officially opened its gates. This vibrant green space offered a much-needed respite for the residents of Esenler. It proudly held the title of Esenler’s largest park until the inauguration of the 15 Temmuz Millet Bahçesi. The construction of Esenler Bölge Parkı, a testament to the community’s vision, is estimated to have cost around 3 million Turkish Lira. Within its verdant embrace, Esenler Bölge Parkı boasts two football fields. One of these fields replaced a basketball court in 2019, adapting to the evolving needs of the community. Originally, plans envisioned a “Kent Ormanı,” an urban forest, extending into the remaining Metris Prison grounds. This ambitious project, however, never came to fruition. Instead, the area was designated for housing development in 15 Temmuz Mahallesi. Esenler Bölge Parkı stands as a symbol of renewal and community spirit. From livestock market to verdant oasis, its story mirrors the ever-evolving tapestry of Istanbul.