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6 places to visit in the Başakşehir district of Istanbul: Başakşehir Millet Garden, Atatürk Olympic Stadium and Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium. Plan your trip to Başakşehir with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Başakşehir is a district of Istanbul, created in 2008 when it separated from Küçükçekmece, Esenler and Büyükçekmece. Başakşehir is bordered by Arnavutköy to the north, Sultangazi and Eyüpsultan to the north-east, Esenler to the east, Bağcılar, Küçükçekmece and Avcılar to the south, and Esenyurt to the west.

Population and Human Resources

Başakşehir is one of the districts in Türkiye most preferred by foreign nationals. Because the district receives heavy migration, the share of Arabic, Russian, English and French speakers is high.

History

In Ottoman times, the Azatlı gunpowder factory was established in the area where the district now stands, to meet the state’s need for gunpowder, and the area was known as Azatlık. The Yarımburgaz Cave, a historic site in the district, is the first known settlement in Istanbul. In 2008, several towns were merged to form the Başakşehir district.

Social Life and Culture

Başakşehir Millet Garden covers 360,000 square metres and has a self-cleaning biological lake of 15,600 square metres. The pond in Bahçeşehir is Türkiye’s largest artificial pond.

Sport

Başakşehir FK won the Süper Lig championship in the 2019–20 season. Atatürk Olympic Stadium is Türkiye’s largest stadium by spectator capacity. Atatürk Olympic Stadium hosted the UEFA Champions League finals in 2005 and 2023.

History and Culture

Başakşehir became a district in 2008 after separating from Küçükçekmece, Esenler and Büyükçekmece. The Azatlı gunpowder factory was established in Ottoman times to meet the need for gunpowder. The district has special schools for Arabs. İstanbul Başakşehir FK was founded in 1990.

Highlights

İstanbul Başakşehir City Hospital, one of Europe’s largest intensive care hospitals, has opened. The library bearing the name of Rasim Özdenören was opened to the public in Başakşehir in 2012.

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Places to Visit in Başakşehir

  • 2 Ancient City
  • 1 Nature
  • 3 Cultural
Cultural

Başakşehir Millet Garden

A garden of 360,000 square metres with a self-cleaning biological lake.

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Cultural

Atatürk Olympic Stadium

Türkiye's largest stadium by spectator capacity. It has been in operation since 2002 and hosted the UEFA Champions League finals in 2005 and 2023.

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Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadyumu - Başakşehir Photo: Sakhalinio (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Cultural

Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium

The stadium where İstanbul Başakşehir FK plays its home matches.

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Ancient City

Yarımburgaz Cave

The first known settlement in Istanbul.

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Ancient City

Resneli Niyazi Bey Farm

A building with historical significance.

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Nature

Bahçeşehir Artificial Lake

Türkiye's largest artificial lake.

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Places to Visit Around Istanbul Province

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While you are in Başakşehir, you can also see the highlights of Istanbul province. These places are in other districts.

  • Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya-i Kebir Mosque) — Built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian between 532 and 537, this was the largest cathedral in the world for about a thousand years; it was converted into a mosque in 1453 and a museum in 1934, and reopened for worship as a mosque in 2020. With its dome 55 metres high and its Byzantine mosaics, it is one of the turning points in the history of architecture.
  • Topkapı Palace — Built by Mehmed the Conqueror at Sarayburnu in the 1460s, the palace was the seat of government and residence of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years; with its Harem, Treasury, Holy Relics and courtyards, it is now a museum.
  • Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) — A six-minaret mosque built for Ahmed I between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa; it is also known as the Blue Mosque because of the more than 20,000 İznik tiles decorating its interior.
  • Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) — A vast underground cistern built in the 6th century under Justinian and carried on 336 columns; the Medusa heads under two of the columns are its most famous corner.
  • Süleymaniye Mosque — Built by Mimar Sinan for Suleiman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557, the mosque stands at the centre of a large complex with madrasas, a hospital, a soup kitchen and tombs; its silhouette on the hill overlooking the Golden Horn is one of the symbols of the city.
  • Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) — One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, made up of more than 60 streets and thousands of shops that grew up around the bedestens built under Mehmed the Conqueror; carpets, jewellery, copperware and leather goods are sold.

Practical Information for Visiting Başakşehir

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring (April-May, the cherry blossom season)
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Başakşehir

Food guide →

  • Modern Turkish Cuisine

    Başakşehir's modern restaurants offer menus that combine traditional Turkish cuisine with contemporary presentation.

  • Kebap Çeşitleri (kebap varieties)

    Kebap restaurants in the district serve kebap styles from different regions of Anatolia.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Başakşehir

  • Modern City Life

    As one of Istanbul's most planned and modern districts, Başakşehir offers all the elements of contemporary city life.

Local Products

  • Organic Products — At the organic markets in Başakşehir, local producers sell fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products.

Economy

Başakşehir is one of Istanbul's rapidly developing districts. The İkitelli Organised Industrial Zone, trade centres and housing projects are the main economic activities.

How to Get to Başakşehir

Başakşehir is connected to every part of Istanbul by metro (M3) and bus lines.

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Başakşehir: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Başakşehir?

The highlights of Başakşehir are 6 places: Başakşehir Millet Garden, Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium, Yarımburgaz Cave, Resneli Niyazi Bey Farm and Bahçeşehir Artificial Lake.

What to eat in Başakşehir?

Modern Turkish Cuisine and Kebap Çeşitleri (kebap varieties) are the standout dishes on Başakşehir tables.

What is Başakşehir famous for?

Başakşehir is known for its Organic Products and Modern City Life. At the organic markets in Başakşehir, local producers sell fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products.

How do I get to Başakşehir?

Başakşehir is connected to every part of Istanbul by metro (M3) and bus lines.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Başakşehir?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring (April-May, the cherry blossom season).

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