Atatürk Arboretum
A large arboretum and research garden in Istanbul's Bahçeköy district
Atatürk Arboretum is a 296-hectare botanical site in Bahçeköy, Sarıyer, on the edge of Istanbul. Created for research and education, it features a wide range of trees and plants, a historic dam from 1818, and an early 20th-century nursery, making it a destination for students, scientists, and visitors.
- Covers 296 hectares near Istanbul's Belgrad Forest
- Home to the 1818 Kirazlı Dam and a 1916 nursery
- Opened in 1982 to honor Atatürk's 100th birthday
- Supports forestry education and research
- Features plant collections and walking paths
What is Atatürk Arboretum?
Atatürk Arboretum is a vast garden dedicated to trees and plants, stretching across nearly 300 hectares. Visitors find winding paths, a variety of plant species, and peaceful natural surroundings. The grounds include the Kirazlı Dam, built in 1818, and a plant nursery that dates back to 1916. The arboretum is designed for both quiet walks and scientific study, with labelled plantings and well-kept landscapes.
The history of Atatürk Arboretum
The idea for this arboretum began in 1949, suggested by Professor Hayrettin Kayacık from Istanbul University's Faculty of Forestry. Planning took several decades, with the road system laid out by Camille Guinet from the Sorbonne between 1959 and 1961. The site was officially opened in 1982, named to mark the 100th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's birth. Its location is southeast of Belgrad Forest, and it was established to support forestry education and research.
What there is to see
The arboretum was developed in stages, starting with an initial plan for 38 hectares and later expanding to its current size. The grounds include historic features such as the Kirazlı Dam and a nursery from 1916. The layout was carefully planned to support both scientific work and public enjoyment, with paths, plant collections, and educational facilities.
When to go
Atatürk Arboretum primarily serves students and staff from Istanbul University's Faculty of Forestry, as well as professionals in forestry and landscape design. It is also open to researchers, scientists, and visitors who are interested in plants and nature. The site is used for educational purposes, research projects, and as a peaceful place for nature lovers.
Parts and collections
The arboretum contains a wide range of plant species and collections, but the sources do not list specific notable varieties or themed sections. Its historic dam and nursery are unique features within the grounds.
Why Atatürk Arboretum matters
Named after the founder of the Turkish Republic, the arboretum honors Atatürk's legacy. It plays a role in forestry education and research in Turkey, and is a valued green space for the city of Istanbul. The site is also significant for its historic structures and its contribution to botanical study.
Questions people ask about Atatürk Arboretum
Where is Atatürk Arboretum located?
It is in Bahçeköy, Sarıyer, within Istanbul Province, Turkey, southeast of Belgrad Forest.
Why was the arboretum created?
It was established to support forestry education, research, and to provide a resource for students, scientists, and nature enthusiasts.
What can visitors see at the arboretum?
Visitors can explore a wide variety of trees and plants, walk along planned paths, and see historic features like the Kirazlı Dam and an early 20th-century nursery.
Who manages the arboretum?
The arboretum is managed with scientific guidance from Istanbul University's Faculty of Forestry.
What is the significance of the name?
It was named to commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Good reading and sources
- Atatürk Arboretum on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Atatürk Arboretum", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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