ISTANBUL, KARTAL DISTRICT

Location Information: A district on the Anatolian side of Turkey / Istanbul / Anatolian side.
General Character: It is home to many kinds of people who are calm, composed, whose life is not overly hectic during the day and at night, and who have also migrated from Erzincan, Sivas and Gümüşhane.
Population and Area:  Population 470,626, surface area 48 km². There are 9,804 people per square kilometer.
Borders: Kartal district is surrounded by Maltepe in the west, Sancaktepe in the north, Sultanbeyli in the northeast and Pendik districts in the east.

Kartal: Favorite District of Istanbul

Istanbul; A magical city where history and culture embrace, nature and people meet... One of the pearls of this magical city is Kartal district. Kartal stands out as a district located on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul and attracts attention with both its historical and natural beauties. And today, we are stepping into the fascinating world of Kartal.

Where is Kartal in Istanbul and how to reach it?

As most of us know, Kartal is located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul and has a coastline on the Marmara Sea. There are several options you can use to reach Kartal. This great strategic location makes the district easily accessible both by sea and land.
E-5 highway and TEM highway offer the fastest transportation routes for those traveling by road. Marmaray train line makes urban transportation very easy; it is possible to reach Kartal quickly even from the European Side.

In addition, you can get away from the stress of the city by walking along the coastal path, or you can explore the beauties of Kartal and have a unique experience by traveling by bike.

What are the natural beauties of Kartal and what opportunities does it offer for nature lovers?

Kartal is a district famous for its natural beauties. It is a paradise for nature lovers. Aydos Forest, one of the most well-known natural beauties of the district, is a great escape point for nature lovers. Aydos Forest is full of walking paths and cycling routes. Here, you can get away from the chaos of the city and enjoy nature. You can also walk, have a picnic and bird watch in this forest. It is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy greenery and nature. The ponds and streams in the forest are also a great spot for those who want to enjoy a quiet nature getaway. You can spend peaceful moments in nature here.

For those who want to see a magnificent view of Istanbul from the top of a hill in Istanbul, Kartal is again the address. Another of the natural beauties of the district is Dragos Hill. Especially popular during sunset hours, this hill is mesmerizing with the lights of the city and the cool blue of the Marmara Sea. The hill also has trails suitable for hiking and nature excursions.

Fenerbahçe Bay is among the natural beauties of Kartal. This beautiful bay is a perfect option for those who want to have a quiet holiday with its clean sea and green surroundings. Nature walks near the bay also attract the attention of nature lovers. All these natural beauties make Kartal district one of the natural wonders of Istanbul.

In addition, long and beautiful beaches on the Kartal coast offer the opportunity to swim in the cool waters of the Marmara Sea. Located on the Kartal coast, these beaches are a perfect option to cool off and enjoy the sun in the summer months. You can have pleasant moments swimming in the waters of the Marmara Sea. You can also take a walk along the coastline and taste fresh seafood at the cafes and restaurants along the beach.

What are the historical riches of Kartal and what historical structures can you discover here?

Kartal is worth exploring not only with its nature but also with its historical texture. The district is one of the historical corners of Istanbul and has a rich past. Aydos Castle, located here, is an important building from the Byzantine period. This castle overlooking the sea fascinates its visitors and takes them on a journey to the past.

There are also historical churches and mosques in Kartal that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the district. The historical texture of Kartal district is like a treasure waiting to be discovered for history enthusiasts. One of these is Ayazma Church. This church dates from the Byzantine period and is architecturally remarkable. Additionally, Kartal Mosque is an important religious building that reflects the history of the district. The historical and architectural features of the mosque impress visitors.

The district has a rich historical heritage. It has seen many different civilizations throughout history and therefore there are archaeological remains from different periods in the district. These ruins shed light on the past of the district and offer treasures waiting to be discovered for history lovers.

Considering all this, Kartal is an interesting option for anyone who wants to travel to the past.

What kind of diversity does the cultural textures have in Kartal and which activities reflect this diversity?

We said that Kartal district has been under the influence of many different civilizations throughout history. The district is the meeting point of different cultures. This diversity shows itself on the streets of the district. There are restaurants, shops and events from different cultures in the district.

In Kartal, you can try flavors from different cuisines and participate in various cultural events. Additionally, festivals and events held in the district provide the opportunity to celebrate local culture and art. These events include various artistic activities such as dance performances, concerts and exhibitions. Kartal welcomes its visitors as a district where different cultures live together in harmony.

What do trade and shopping opportunities offer in Kartal?

Kartal is one of the important trade centers of Istanbul. The district offers various options for shopping enthusiasts. Shopping centers in Kartal have a wide range of products, from world brands to local handicrafts.

Shopping complexes located on the Kartal coast offer an enjoyable shopping experience to both locals and visitors. Restaurants and cafes are also quite diverse in the district. You can enjoy fresh seafood and Turkish cuisine at seaside restaurants. Kartal's local markets should not be forgotten either; Here you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and handmade products.

What kind of diversity does Kartal's population have and how does this diversity affect the district?

Kartal has a population worthy of the size of Istanbul. The district hosts both local residents and visitors to Istanbul.
The district has been under the influence of different cultures and communities throughout its history. Therefore, people living in Kartal come from different ethnicities, cultures and beliefs. This diversity adds great richness to the social fabric and daily life of the district.

In addition, a large part of the population living in Kartal district has migrated from other districts of Istanbul and different cities. Immigrants saw Kartal as an opportunity to establish a new life and access job opportunities. This wave of migration diversified the population structure of the district. For this reason, Kartal has become a center where people from different regions of Turkey meet.

The population of Kartal district is quite diverse not only in terms of ethnicity, but also age groups and socioeconomic status. Young people, elderly, workers, professionals and students live together in the district. This population diversity ensures that the district has a dynamic atmosphere.

As one of the favorite districts of Istanbul, Kartal fascinates with both its historical and natural beauties. We could only describe a few of them in this article, but you should definitely take time to discover Kartal. Whether you are interested in history and culture or enjoy nature, Kartal is ready to fascinate you!