Kirazlıbent Nature Park

About

Kirazlıbent Nature Park, in the Sarıyer district of İstanbul, is one of nine nature parks in the Belgrad Forest and was designated in 2011. It is named after the Kirazlı Bent dam, built by Sultan Mahmud II in 1818 on the Kirazlı Deresi and the last dam of the Kırkçeşme water supply system. The park, about 19.14 hectares, lies opposite Irmak Nature Park on the road towards Kemerburgaz after entering through the Bahçeköy gate. The forest, made up of tall trees that are partly young and partly middle-aged, is dominated by oak and hornbeam. Sessile oak, Quercus vulcanica, sweet chestnut, black pine, oriental beech, tree heath, butcher's broom and ivy also occur. Red deer, red fox, wild boar, golden jackal, hedgehog, squirrel, tortoise, goldfinch, chaffinch and magpie are among the species living here. The day-use areas have picnic units, a fountain, a kiosk, toilets, a prayer room and children's playgrounds. Forest paths are suitable for nature walks, and the park also has spaces suitable for meetings and events.