Irmak Nature Park

About

Irmak Nature Park, in the Sarıyer district of İstanbul, is one of nine nature parks in the Belgrad Forest and was designated in 2011. Named after the stream that flows through it, the park covers about 10 hectares. It lies on the right-hand side of the Bahçeköy–Kemerburgaz road, opposite Kirazlıbent Nature Park. The park contains several water structures belonging to the Kırkçeşme water supply system, among them the Büyük Bent dam and the Çiftehavuz basin. Although repairs carried out at various times have largely altered its original appearance, Çiftehavuz still fulfils its function. Oak and hornbeam dominate the dense broadleaf forest, with sessile oak, Quercus vulcanica, oriental beech, alder and sweet chestnut. Wild boar, golden jackal, deer, roe deer, fox, wolf, marten, buzzard and woodpeckers are among the species of the Belgrad Forest. Day-use areas are suitable for picnics, and there is a country restaurant, a kiosk, toilets and children's playgrounds. The second entrance to a 6 km running and walking track that starts at Neşetsuyu Nature Park is also here. Visitors should take care near the dam and pond edges.