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3 places to visit in the Sancaktepe district of Istanbul: Sancaktepe Forests, Sancaktepe Millet Garden and Damatris Summer Palace. Plan your trip to Sancaktepe with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

Sancaktepe is a district on the Asian side of Istanbul province that gained district status in 2008. The district covers 63 km², has an average elevation of 136 metres above sea level and a population of 507,500. It borders Kartal to the south, Maltepe to the south-west, Ataşehir and Ümraniye to the west, Çekmeköy to the north, and Pendik and Sultanbeyli to the east.

Establishment

Sancaktepe district was established by Law No. 5747, published in the Official Gazette No. 26824 dated 22 March 2008, by merging the Sarıgazi and Yenidoğan towns of Ümraniye district with the Samandıra town of Kartal district. The M5 line that runs through the district boundaries makes Sancaktepe’s first metro line.

History and Culture

Sancaktepe district was established on 22 March 2008 by Law No. 5747. The Sancaktepe area passed into Turkish hands in 1328, when Orhan Gazi conquered Samandıra.

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Places to Visit in Sancaktepe

  • 1 Historic
  • 2 Nature
Nature

Sancaktepe Forests

Forest areas in the northern parts of the district, suitable for nature walks and picnics.

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Nature

Sancaktepe Millet Garden

The district's largest park, with extensive green spaces, ponds and sports facilities. This natural area, which reflects the ecological diversity of the region, attracts nature lovers.

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Historic

Damatris Summer Palace

A summer palace built during the Byzantine period, in the reigns of Tiberius I and Mauricius.

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Places to Visit Around Istanbul Province

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While you are in Sancaktepe, 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 Sancaktepe

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
3 places

What to Eat in Sancaktepe

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  • Esnaf Lokantası

    The tradesmen's restaurants of Sancaktepe serve traditional Turkish home cooking. This dish has an important place on local tables and is prepared using traditional recipes.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Sancaktepe

  • Modern City Life

    As one of the fast-developing districts of Istanbul, Sancaktepe offers the elements of modern city life.

Local Products

  • Organik Ürünler — Fresh produce from local growers is sold at the organic markets in the district.

Economy

Sancaktepe is one of the fast-developing districts on Istanbul's Asian side. Trade, the service sector and housing projects are its main economic activities.

How to Get to Sancaktepe

Sancaktepe is connected to every part of Istanbul by metro (M5) and bus lines.

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Sancaktepe: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Sancaktepe?

The highlights of Sancaktepe are 3 places: Sancaktepe Forests, Sancaktepe Millet Garden and Damatris Summer Palace.

What to eat in Sancaktepe?

Esnaf Lokantası is the standout dish on Sancaktepe's tables.

What is Sancaktepe famous for?

Sancaktepe is known for its Organic Products and its Modern City Life. Fresh produce from local growers is sold at the organic markets in the district.

How do I get to Sancaktepe?

Sancaktepe is connected to every part of Istanbul by metro (M5) and bus lines.

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

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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