Bentler Nature Park

About

Bentler Nature Park, in the Sarıyer district of İstanbul, is one of nine nature parks in the Belgrad Forest and was designated in 2011. It takes its name from the Valide Sultan Bendi and II. Mahmud Bendi dams to its north. Known as the Taksim Water Dams and built in the Ottoman period to supply the city with water, the Valide Sultan Bendi dates from 1796 and the II. Mahmud Bendi, also called the New Dam, from 1839. The park, about 16.30 hectares in size, also contains the Iskara Bendi and historic fountains. Oak and hornbeam dominate, and beside the Valide Sultan Bendi stands a 269-year-old plane tree registered as a monumental tree. Silver lime, oriental beech, sweet chestnut and ash also grow here, while wild boar, fox, deer, roe deer, sparrowhawk and squirrels live in the area. The park has a kiosk, a children's playground, picnic units and a country restaurant. Visitors can walk the forest paths, stroll around the dams or go mountain biking, but should take care near the pond.