Fenerbahçe Parkı
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In order to reach this beautiful park follow the Fenerbahçe signs when going towards Bostancı from Kızıltoprak. When you pass the marina located on the right and cross a very small bridge, you will come to a peninsula where the park is located.
Fenerbahçe (Fener: Lighthouse, Bahçe: Garden) named after the white lighthouse standing on the headland of a cozy peninsula also hosts quite a big park by the same name. Fenerbahçe was also a favorite promenade during the Ottoman Empire with its natural flora and stunning panorama. However when transferred to Turing in 1989 by the Municipality of Metropol İstanbul it was in terrible condition and had faced terrible neglect. The restoration of the park lasted six months and was a costly project. The flora has been renewed, jogging routes, resting sites, picnic areas and a special garden for dogs have been added. A parking lot and sport areas have also been constructed.
At the edge of the park you'll be fascinated by the panoramic view. From here you can see the Princes' Islands on the south east and old Istanbul, Sultanahmet, Topkapı Palace and Haghia Sophia on the west. The sunsets behind the elegant minarets are irresistible. During summer evenings the youngsters play guitar and sing songs. Moreover a moonlight stroll at Fenerbahçe should not be missed. The moon which rises and brightens the islands has always been a source of inspiration to lovers and amateur poets! One small note: when visiting the park for the moonlight don't forget to drop by Mado of Piramit just before the bridge for some ice cream.
You'll meet people of every age walking, running, exercising on the grass, and riding bicycles at every hour of the day.
Housewives and students playing hooky are around in the morning. The park fills with lovers in the afternoon and evenings bring people who want to relax after a long workday. Unfortunately there is nothing in particular for children so you will have to use your imagine, or let them use their own. Throughout the park, you will see gypsies selling flowers and telling fortunes and peddlers selling cotton candy, simit (similar to bagels) and balloons.
While wandering in the park you can either drop by the Turing café for a snack, coffee or tea or sit on the benches and eat what you have brought with you. The number of people having breakfast on Sundays increases proportionally with the good weather conditions. There is also a section within the park offering ecological products.
Café Romantica is a covered cafe and sparrows often fly by, sometimes stopping to visit your table for crumbs. In summertime you can have a relaxing time in the garden of Romantica which runs all the way to the seaside.
Park your car near the entrance and enjoy Fenerbahçe!!!