4 places to visit in the Güngören district of Istanbul: Güngören Parkları, Güngören Tekstil Bazaar and Haznedar Çiftliği. Plan your trip to Güngören with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Güngören is a district of Istanbul province, located on the Çatalca Peninsula in the western half of the province. The district covers 7 km² and is the smallest district in Türkiye by area.
The district’s former name was Vidos, a Greek village known to date back to the 16th century. The village was renamed Güngören in 1939. During the Republican era it grew steadily, first through migration from the Balkans and later through internal migration. In 1992 it separated from Bakırköy district and became a district in its own right.
Following two bomb attacks in the district on 27 July 2008, 17 people lost their lives and 154 were injured. Although early statements suggested the bombs used in the attacks were RDX (plastic explosive), it was later established that TNT (dynamite) had been used.
The settlement areas within the current boundaries of Güngören developed in line with the growth of Istanbul’s urban area. The population, 259 in 1935, began to rise rapidly from 1960 and exceeded 20,000 in 1970, 115,000 in 1985 and 180,000 in 1990. It grew until 2007 and has declined every year since then.
Güngören became a district in 1992 after separating from Bakırköy. During the Ottoman period, Güngören was one of Istanbul’s important picnic grounds.
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Dense urban fabric of the district is punctuated by parks, green spaces and walking paths that offer places to breathe. This structure is an important cultural heritage for the people of Güngören and bears witness to the district's history.
View on mapGüngören is one of Istanbul's most important textile production and sales centres, and a preferred address for wholesale and retail textile shopping.
View on mapThe historic farm area on the western side of the former village; settlement grew rapidly here.
View on mapA mosque and fountain built in 1611; it was made available for the use of shepherds.
View on mapWhile you are in Güngören, you can also see the highlights of Istanbul province. These places are in other districts.
The tradesmen's restaurants of Güngören serve traditional Turkish home cooking at affordable prices.
Güngören is one of the key centres of Istanbul's textile industry tradition. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important part of the local cultural identity.
Güngören is one of Istanbul's most important textile production centres. Ready-to-wear clothing, fabric and garment manufacturing are the main economic activities.
Güngören is connected to every part of Istanbul by Metrobüs, tram and bus lines.
The highlights of Güngören are 4 places: Güngören Parks, Güngören Textile Bazaar, Haznedar Farm and Gençosman Mosque and Fountain.
Esnaf Lokantası Yemekleri are the standout dishes on Güngören's tables.
Güngören is known for its Textile Products and its Textile Industry Culture. It is one of Istanbul's most important textile production centres. Ready-to-wear clothing and fabric manufacturing are concentrated here.
Güngören is connected to every part of Istanbul by Metrobüs, tram and bus lines.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: all year round.