Things to see and do Beykoz

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.

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.

It dominates the entrance to the Black Sea, which is constantly used by large tonnages. A tradition links this 14th century fortress to the Genoese, but it is Byzantine. It was disputed many times and eventually became an Ottoman at the end of the same century, under Yıldırım Beyazıt (1389-1402). With a length of 500 m and a width of 30 m to 60 m, it will be restored and equipped with a small mosque as part of a large programme undertaken by the Sultan Bayazıt II (1481-1512). During his trip to Egypt in the second half of the 16th century, the German traveller Michael Heberer Von Bretten described it in his book as being in very good condition; he took the opportunity to make an engraving. It was not abandoned until the 19th century. Note that you can also go there by several other points than Anadolu Kavağı, all along the coastal road (more deserted) or by the center of Beykoz from where the journey is a little longer and more complicated (1 hour). It is the Umurbey Yolu road that leads to it. To take it, you have to leave Beykoz along the sea: Fevzi Paşa Caddesi, then Ahmet Paşa Caddesi, junction, Yalıköy Çayırı Caddesi (left), well after school take a left (Deri ve Kundura Fabrikası Caddesi, bridge, not very beautiful), it is the Umurbey Yolu, which zigzags to the goal. A saint would rest in the mausoleum. No source proves it, but the believers do not agree with it, so they regularly visit it (huge tomb!).

Covering an area of more than 18 ha, it is located on a hill overlooking the Bosporus and shelters several century-old trees. It has several terraces that offer superb panoramic views, walking trails and playgrounds for children. The pavilion is on a steep slope. Designed by an Italian architect for the last Khedive of Egypt, Abbas Hilmi Paşa (Abbas II, 1892-1914), who wanted a replica of one of his properties on the banks of the Nile.