Göktürk Pond Nature Park

About

Göktürk Pond Nature Park is in the Eyüpsultan district of İstanbul and was designated in 2011. It is named after Göktürk Göleti, the pond part of which lies within its boundaries. Fed by the Karanlıkdere stream and its tributaries, the pond is managed by İSKİ, İstanbul's water and sewerage authority, and its water is used for irrigation in the surrounding area. The park, about 56 hectares, is on the right at the start of the İhsaniye road when you reach Göktürk centre from the Hasdal–Kemerburgaz road. Oak and hornbeam dominate, while black pine, maritime pine, pedunculate oak, oriental plane, oriental alder, oriental beech, manna ash, strawberry tree and bay laurel also grow here. Red squirrel, wild boar, jackal, fox, hare, hedgehog and marten live in the park, along with birds such as the lesser spotted eagle, short-toed eagle, sparrowhawk, buzzard and jay. Tortoises, Italian wall lizards, frogs and snakes are also present. Facilities include a country restaurant, a kiosk, picnic units, forest walking paths, a prayer room, toilets, a fountain, a children's playground and stands selling local products. Besides enjoying the views, visitors can walk, run and cycle.