Page 34 - Turkinsurance Digital Magazine

34 cultural outlook

The Silent Library of Nature: A Day at

Atatürk Arboretum

For those looking to escape the hustle and noise of Istanbul, there are countless routes
to discover. Yet some places stand apart with their serenity, tranquility, and the traces of
history they carry. Atatürk Arboretum is one of those rare gems. Located in the Bahçeköy
district of Sarıyer, right next to Belgrad Forest, this natural treasure is more than just a

walking path—it’s a living botanical library.

A Paradise for Botany Enthusiasts away. The sounds of birds, the rustling of leaves in the wind, and
the crunch of dry leaves underfoot are all that remain. Phones are
The word "arboretum" comes from Latin and refers to a garden silenced, social media is forgotten. Here, time truly slows down.
where trees are cultivated for study and display. The Atatürk Arbo- Wide walking paths, trails winding around three different ponds, and
retum, named after the great leader who emphasized the importance scattered benches invite visitors to spend peaceful hours immersed
of nature and science, is an open-air laboratory established for ac- in nature. Especially in the early hours of the morning, the sunlight
ademic purposes. Its planning began in 1949 under the leadership dancing on the surface of the water offers breathtaking scenes for
of the Istanbul University Faculty of Forestry and it was opened to photography enthusiasts. The arboretum dons a new color each sea-
visitors in 1982. Spanning a vast 296 hectares, the arboretum hosts son—from the crimson and gold of autumn to the vibrant greens and
around 2,000 plant species, both native and foreign. Each plant is wisteria blooms of spring.
carefully labeled, offering not just aesthetic pleasure but also serv-
ing educational and research purposes. Areas to Explore: Paths Through Nature

Where Time Slows Down The arboretum offers visitors several routes for walking and explor-
ing. The main path from the entrance leads directly to the largest
As you step into the arboretum, the noise of the outside world fades pond. The area around it is lined with benches and wooden bridges.
Ducks floating on the surface, turtles gliding among the reeds, and

Atatürk Arboretum