Belgrad Forest

Belgrad forest is the lung of Istanbul. It is situated on the European side of Istanbul in Sariyer district. Near the city you can find very vast forest named Belgrad. During the weekends the people go around this forest to take some sunday brunch or just for walking or hiking.

The water of Istanbul used to supplied from Belgrat Forest,this water used to reach until the fountains in the Beyazit square,via Aquaduct of Valens.Once Belgrat Forest was used as an exercise area for Ottoman military. Today it is popular for picnics at the weekend, the road to Kilyos goes through here. Home to Istanbul University's department of forestry, hence accessible by public transport. There have always been rural communities here but since the 90's some luxury housing and private schools have been built in parts of the forest. The largest of these developments is the luxury new village of Zekeriyakoy, which although exposed to the cold, damp weather coming along the Black Sea coast is now one of the most expensive residential areas in Istanbul.

Source: http://www.trekearth.com