TOUR 3 – BOTANY TOUR IN ISTANBUL (Full Day Tour)

During this tour BELGRAD FOREST – ATATURK ARBORETUM

Arboretum is a botanical garden containing living collections of woody plants for scientific studies. Arboretums are also living plant museums and Ataturk Arboretum is the most important arboretum in Istanbul. These plants are carefully classified, is cultivated for scientific, observational or educational purposes in suitable habitats for exhibition. Arboretums are also called the Botanic Gardens.

ATATURK ARBORETUM

Ataturk arboretum is located in the south east of Belgrad Forest in Bahçeköy. Ataturk Arboretum is located between Büyükdere and Kemerburgaz, and 20 kilometers away from the town center of Istanbul. It is located southeast of Belgrad forest. It's established in 1956 by İstanbul University professor, Hayrettin Kayacık. It is situated on a field of 296 hectares and today includes an estimate of 2000 different plant types, kinds, sub-groups, variety and culture forms. In Ataturk Arboretum, each plant has an identity card which shows its origin. Additionally, there is a panel showing the names of plants that are blooming in each week. Atatürk Arboretum has the first plantation of Turkey. There are also three different lakes, an amphitheatre and a watchtower.

With its wide range of plants and animals, and unique relaxing atmosphere, Atatürk Arboretum is one of the places to visit before you die. There are many famous arboretums and botanical garden around the world, and they're generally old because building an arboretum requires great exertion and patience. For example, Padua Botanical Garden in Italy is 330 years old and Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh is 520 years old. However, Atatürk Arboretum is only 57 years old. That's why, we believe that one day it will be one of most famous arboretums in the world.

In Summer, Ataturk Arboretum is open everyday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and in winter it is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m