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5 places to visit in the Sultangazi district of Istanbul: Alibey Dam, Cebeci Nature Park and Sultangazi Gölet Park. Plan your trip to Sultangazi with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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At 50 metres above sea level, the district borders Eyüpsultan to the east, Esenler to the west, Gaziosmanpaşa to the south and Başakşehir to the northwest. It consists of 15 neighbourhoods and contains the Alibey Dam, the Cebeci quarries and several small streams.

Geography

The Alibey Dam was built between 1975 and 1983 and meets a significant part of the drinking water needs of the European side. At normal water level, the reservoir holds 66.80 hm³ and covers 4.66 km², supplying 39 hm³ of drinking water a year. Amateur fishing and water sports take place on the dam, and the protected forest surrounding it meets the district’s need for recreational space.

History and Culture

Sultangazi was founded in 2008, with 14 neighbourhoods from Gaziosmanpaşa and one each from Eyüpsultan and Esenler. For many years the area was administered as part of Eyüp district.

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Places to Visit in Sultangazi

  • 2 Historic
  • 3 Nature
Nature

Alibey Dam

Built between 1975 and 1983, the dam meets the drinking water needs of the European side.

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Nature

Cebeci Nature Park

A nature park in Sultangazi.

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Nature

Sultangazi Gölet Park

The largest park in the district, Gölet Park offers a place to relax, with an artificial pond and green areas.

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Historic

Cebeciköy Stream Genoese Galleries

Galleries on the Cebeciköy stream, considered the most important surviving evidence of the water channels from before the conquest.

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Historic

Remains of the İsale Line Arches

Remains of 6–7 large arches and more than 30 single-span arches can be seen along the İsale line.

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Places to Visit Around Istanbul Province

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While you are in Sultangazi, 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 Sultangazi

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

What to Eat in Sultangazi

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  • Esnaf Lokantası Yemekleri

    Sultangazi's tradesmen's restaurants serve traditional Turkish home cooking at affordable prices.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Sultangazi

  • Balance of Nature and City

    Thanks to Cebeci Nature Park, Sultangazi offers a life close to nature within a dense urban fabric.

Local Products

  • Local Market Produce — The district's lively markets offer fresh fruit, vegetables and local products.

Economy

Sultangazi is one of the densely populated residential centres on the European side of Istanbul. Trade and services are the main economic activities.

How to Get to Sultangazi

Sultangazi is connected to every part of Istanbul by bus and minibus lines.

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Sultangazi: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Sultangazi?

The 5 highlights of Sultangazi are: Alibey Dam, Cebeci Nature Park, Sultangazi Gölet Park, the Cebeciköy Stream Genoese Galleries and the remains of the İsale Line arches.

What to eat in Sultangazi?

Esnaf Lokantası Yemekleri are the standout dishes on Sultangazi's tables.

What is Sultangazi famous for?

Sultangazi is known for its Local Market Produce and its Balance of Nature and City. The district's lively markets offer fresh fruit, vegetables and local products.

How do I get to Sultangazi?

Sultangazi is connected to every part of Istanbul by bus and minibus lines.

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

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

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