Places to Visit in Sariyer

• Sariyer

Sariyer has existed as a settlement since ancient times and has developed over time and reached the present day.

Among its ancient names in antiquity and Byzantine periods are "Simas" or "Saron".

Simas was also known as "Scletrinas" or "Saron", while in different sources it means "Holy Mother" - "Blessed Beautiful Stream" or "Blessed Beautiful Water".

In the Byzantine period, in addition to these names, it was also called "Limas".

During the Ottoman period, the name "Simas" was generally used, but over time, it may have been referred to as "Sari yar" with rumors that Gold and Copper were mined due to the mineral deposits in the vicinity, and then it may have taken the name "Sariyer".

Inherited from ancient times and the Byzantine period, Sariyer was known as a small village of 10 houses, surrounded by empty lands and hills, stretching towards the coastline.

The village, with its old harbor and Byzantine-era church, made a living by fishing.

In the 17th century, Evliya Celebi's travelogue included the following expressions for Sariyer: "Sariyer was noted as a district with about a thousand vineyards and gardens, where Muslims lived in two neighborhoods and Christians lived in seven neighborhoods".

After the conquest of Istanbul during the Ottoman period, immigrants from Anatolia and the surrounding regions who settled in Sariyer made significant contributions to the general development of the villages and the district.

Sariyer has been economically and culturally enriched over time, and various neighborhoods and regions have been formed.

The history of Sariyer was also influenced by various periods of the Ottoman Empire.

During this period, the region's economy was generally based on agriculture, fishing, and trade.

Fishing, in particular, has been an important source of livelihood due to Sariyer's connection with the sea.

Towards the middle of the century, industrialization began in Sariyer as well as agriculture and fishing.

With the development of new roads and transportation facilities, Sariyer has evolved beyond being a rural region and into an urban texture.

Sariyer has become an important district of Istanbul and its population has increased.

The development of modern infrastructure and services has improved the quality of life of the region and contributed to the continuation of economic activity in various sectors.

Today, Sariyer is a region that attracts attention with its rich cultural heritage, natural beauties and developed infrastructure.

As one of the important districts of Istanbul, it offers a beautiful balance between history and modernity.

Places to Visit in Sariyer

• Belgrade Forest

Belgrade Forest, meets a large part of Istanbul's drinking water needs with its natural water resources dating back to  the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

During the Ottoman period, 6 weirs were established scattered within the boundaries of the forest.

These embankments, which spread to different points within the boundaries of the forest, have historical and engineering features unique to the region.

Belgrade Forest was opened to the public in 1956 and turned into a recreation area, picnic area, sports events and nature walks.

Today, the Belgrade Forest is home to one of Istanbul's most famous picnic, hiking, and cycling trails.  

Located in Sariyer, this recreational area offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature, play sports and relax.

Combined with the historical and natural riches of the forest, this area is known as an ideal destination for an escape from the busy city life of Istanbul.

• Garipce

The history of Garipce dates back to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

The old name of the village is derived from the word "karîb", which means "close" in Ottoman Turkish.

In 2012, Garipce was officially registered as a neighborhood.

Garipce has a mythological history and was known as "Gyropolis", that is, "City of Vultures", because it was a high and rocky region in ancient times and where eagles and vultures lived.

Homeros, wrote that the name of the village of Garipce, which is famous because the palace of King Phineus of Thrace was located in this village, was "Kharybdis".

Garipce is a cute neighborhood built in a small bay and valley.

It offers an ideal environment for those who want to have breakfast and travel, especially on weekends.

With its natural beauties, historical texture and calm atmosphere, Garipce provides visitors with a peaceful escape.

• Garipce Castle

Built by Sultan Mustafa III between 1757 and 1774, this castle is located on the European side of Istanbul, at the entrance of the Black Sea, in the bay known as "Lykion Limen" in ancient times.

At this strategic point, in this bay, which is called the "Port of the Lycians", a castle was built on the rocks and strengthened by adding an observation tower.

The construction of the tower was carried out by order of the French Military Advisor François Baron de Tott in 1778.

The castle consists of masonry stone and brick and draws attention with its small observation windows along the city wall.

These details have made the castle a structure that is used not only for defensive purposes, but also for observation and strategic information gathering.

The castle, which was started and finished by the order of Sultan Mustafa III, was completed with the addition of a watchtower by Baron de Tott, and thus this historical castle continued to exist as an important defense and strategic point in the history of Istanbul.

• Rumeli Fortress

Rumeli Fortress was built in the early 15th century, between 1452 and 1453, by order of Mehmet II (Mehmet the Conqueror).

It is located in the part of the Bosphorus close to the Black Sea, directly opposite the Anatolian Fortress.

The Rumeli Fortress was built as part of a strategy to control the Bosphorus and besiege the city.

Mehmet the Conqueror had made many strategic moves to take Istanbul from the Byzantine Empire, and the Rumeli Fortress was built to cut off the aid and supply routes from the Black Sea.

The construction of the Rumeli Fortress began in 1452 and was completed in just four months.

This rapid construction demonstrates the strong engineering and construction capabilities of the Ottoman Empire.

Rumeli Fortress reflects the typical Ottoman castle architecture.

It has a rectangular plan and has round bastions at the four corners.

At the same time, in accordance with the defense techniques of the period, the castle walls are quite thick.

Its inner courtyard is located around the buildings, and there are structures such as a mosque, baths,  and storage buildings in this area.

The construction of the Rumeli Fortress contributed to the conquest of Istanbul in 1453.

The castle kept the Bosphorus under control, closing the supply and supply routes to the city.

Rumeli Fortress is now used as a museum and a venue where outdoor activities are held.

It is also a popular place to observe the beautiful scenery of Istanbul.

• Kilyos

_{Sariyer, which has a coast to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.}

Kilyos is the place where the Black Sea and Istanbul meet.

With its wide beaches and clean sea, it is a holiday region preferred by Istanbulites especially in the summer months, and when the sea, beach and sun combine in the summer season, Kilyos is the first place that comes to the mind of holidaymakers.

Kilyos has many private and public beaches on its coast.

Let's give you a few jam-packed beach tips💕🤩

Tarmata Beach: With nearly 30 years of experience, Tırmata Beach Beach, the famous beach of Kilyos, offers many surprises as well as offering peace, entertainment and water sports activities to visitors in the summer season.

True Blue Beach: True Blue Beach, which offers relaxation and entertainment opportunities  to visitors with its  clean beach and beautiful scenery, stands out with its natural beauties.

Dalia Beach: Dalia Beach, which has a calm and peaceful atmosphere, is a suitable choice for those who want to relax in the shade of trees.

Burc Beach: Offering a variety of activities such as bars, restaurants, and water sports, Burc Beach provides visitors with the opportunity to spend a pleasant day.

Solar Beach: Known for its beach parties, concerts, and events, Solar Beach also has a stunning sea view.

The beaches in Kilyos can often be busy during the summer months.

It is ideal for those who want to sunbathe, swim, practice water sports or just enjoy the beach.

However, each beach may have its own rules and entrance fees, so it's important to get detailed information before visiting.

• Emirgan Grove

Emirgan Grove is a historical grove and park area located in the Sariyer district of Istanbul.

The history of this green area is quite old and has developed in various periods.

Some information about the history of Emirgan Grove

Ottoman Empire Period, The history of Emirgan Grove dates back to the Ottoman Empire period.

Towards the end of the 17th century, the grove was arranged by the Ottoman sultans and wealthy families to be used as a summer resting place.

The Reign of Sultan Selim III, the expansion and arrangement of the Emirgan Grove began during the reign of Selim III.  

Sultan Selim III expanded the grove and ensured the cultivation of many species of trees and plants.

Palace Garden and Geese, Emirgan Grove has hosted the palace's gardens and hunting grounds at various times throughout history.

In addition, birds such as ducks and geese were found in the ponds in the grove.

Opening to the Public, Emirgan Grove was opened to the public in 1911.

It has now become a popular resting and picnic spot for Istanbul residents.

There is also a botanical garden belonging to Istanbul University in Istanbul University Botanical Garden, Emirgan Grove.

This garden houses a variety of plant species and  is used for botanical research.

Emirgan Grove is famous for its green areas, historical mansions, and beautiful landscapes.

Especially during the Tulip festival, it is decorated with colorful tulips and attracts visitors.

It is a beautiful place for those who want to explore the historical and natural beauties of Istanbul.

• Rumeli Lighthouse

It is a historical lighthouse located at the northern entrance of the Bosphorus.

This lighthouse, which was built to ensure the safe navigation of the Bosphorus,  also played an important role in maritime history.

Information about Rumeli Lighthouse

Rumeli Lighthouse, also known as Turkeli Lighthouse, is located in the Rumeli Feneri village of Sarıyer.

The construction of the Rumeli Lighthouse took place in 1856.

The lighthouse was built by French engineers during the Ottoman period.

Stones obtained from the ruins of the surrounding Yoros Castle were used as construction materials.

The lighthouse was used to guide ships sailing in the harsh sea conditions of the Bosphorus.

It provided light to maritime traffic by observing the northern entrance of the Bosphorus, which opens to the Black Sea.

Rumeli Lighthouse has a classic lighthouse architecture.

The tower, which is approximately 60 meters high and 30 meters long, offers a unique view with its colorful fishermen's shelters, boats and boats.

The area around the lighthouse is famous for its historical and natural beauty.

Rumeli Lighthouse is a popular tourist spot for locals and tourists alike due to its historical and strategic importance.

It provides visitors with beautiful views of the Bosphorus.

It is an attractive area for history and nature lovers.

The Rumeli Lighthouse is considered an important part of Istanbul's maritime heritage and is one of the city's historical riches.  

From Sariyer, you can easily reach Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on time.

Transportation Options: You can easily reach Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) by using public transportation options, Municipal Buses, Metro and Tram.

Before using these lines, you should check and select the appropriate timetables for your trip on the website.

Air transfer lines: You can reach Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) comfortably and effortlessly with your Airport Transfer reservations made on the Airtransferlines website.

With Airtransferlines, it provides a comfortable, unique Airport Transfer experience with the latest model luxury vehicles.

Click www.airtransferlines.com to take advantage of the advantages of Airtransferlines, to find the right vehicle and driver for you with a wide range of transfer options, to get information about your destination or to make a reservation.

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