The most beautiful natural sites to discover Istanbul & Marmara Region

A protected nature reserve of 46 hectares, it is 8 kilometres from Beykoz, within the limits of the village of Tokat. It is a rare and endangered ecosystem, in which a colony of fir trees has settled and developed naturally. In Turkish göknar means fir tree, hence the name given to the reserve. Chestnut, linden, hazelnut and hornbeam are the other species present in the park. On hot summer days, you will enjoy this shady area. Very easy access from Beykoz.

Despite the multiplication of industrial sites in its surroundings, Polonezköy has managed to preserve its natural biotope, which is totally characteristic of the flora of the western Mediterranean. The forest is rich in chestnut, lime, elm and alder trees. They are home to an intense sub-flora of plants and a particularly dense wildlife. Storks and some species of birds of prey stop here during their autumn and spring migrations. The geomorphological structure of the place has all the specificities of a plateau.

The grove is part of one of the last legacies of the Ottoman Empire because it is due to the rich vizier of Armenian origin, Ibrahim Paşa (1830-1918). Passionate about hunting, the Pasha owned several residences around the Bosporus. Bought by the State in 1887, it became a public domain. The grove has a large number of species and a diversified flora. Cascades, hiking and jogging trails, observation areas, restaurants and tea rooms are installed.