Page 39 - Turkinsurance Digital Magazine

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bridges, a pond, and plants reflecting the Japanese land- Baltalimanı Japanese Garden
scaping tradition.
Belgrad Forest

Known as the “lungs of Istanbul,” Belgrad Forest is among
the top destinations where you can be alone with nature in
the city. Located on the European side, between Maslak and
Eyüp, this vast forest is bordered by natural boundaries—
the Bosphorus to the east and the Black Sea to the west.
Used as a source of drinking water for Istanbul during the
Byzantine and Ottoman periods, the forest still allows the
city to breathe with the same freshness today.

With its rich vegetation, diverse soil, and climate structure,
Belgrad Forest takes on a different beauty in every sea-
son, and is especially captivating in autumn with its golden
leaves. Its 6.5-kilometer walking trail is ideal for morning
exercise, while its picnic areas are among the most enjoy-
able spots to connect with nature on weekends.

Atatürk Arboretum

Located on the road to Belgrad Forest, Atatürk Arboretum
is a stop that sparks curiosity even as you pass by and invites
exploration the moment you see it from the entrance. It is
an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the city’s
crowds and enjoy approximately an hour of tranquility. In
fact, this area is an “open-air plant museum,” welcoming
visitors under certain rules to preserve the finest examples Belgrad Forest
of nature.

Spanning a vast area of 345 hectares, Atatürk Arboretum
hosts more than 1,500 plant species. As one of the two ar-
boretums in Türkiye, it is also home to the country’s first
nursery. Here, you can observe exotic plants such as the
Smoke Bush, Giant Sequoia, Macedonian Oak, and Flow-
ering Dogwood. For nature lovers, every step offers a new
discovery.

Polonezköy Walking Trail

Holding the title of Istanbul’s largest nature park, Polonez-
köy Nature Park, with its vast area of approximately 3,000
hectares, is an ideal escape for those looking to leave the Polonezköy Walking Trail
stress of the city behind. This natural haven, home to many
wild animals such as squirrels, owls, finches, magpies, and
foxes, is also rich in plant diversity. Atatürk Arboretum

In addition to picnic and camping areas, its walking, run-
ning, and cycling trails offer a unique experience for those
who want to connect with nature. Moreover, within the
park, sites such as the Polonezköy Culture House, Wood
Sculpture Exhibition, Czestochowa Virgin Mary Church,
and Glass Art Center are among the stops waiting to be
discovered for those seeking a cultural journey alongside
nature.

Atatürk Arboretum