The park is named after Arif Kalafat, a martyr (şehit) who served as a Lieutenant in the Turkish Armed Forces.
The site functions as an important green lung for the rapidly urbanizing Çekmeköy district, helping to mitigate heat island effects.
The park's infrastructure is managed directly by the Çekmeköy Municipality Department of Parks and Gardens.
The landscaping prioritizes the preservation of existing deciduous and coniferous trees indigenous to the Istanbul forest belt.
Şehit Üsteğmen Arif Kalafat Doğa Parkı is a municipal nature park located in the Çekmeköy district on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The park spans a significant woodland area integrated into the urban landscape, providing a network of walking trails and recreational facilities. It features dedicated picnic zones, playgrounds for children, and expansive green spaces maintained by the Çekmeköy Municipality. The park is named in memory of Lieutenant Arif Kalafat. The terrain is characterized by hilly, forested topography typical of the region's geography. It serves as a primary local hub for outdoor exercise, weekend leisure, and community gatherings for residents of Hamidiye. Facilities include designated areas for social activities and seating benches interspersed throughout the trails.
The raised wooden seating areas overlooking the forested valley provide the best panoramic view of the park's topography.
Bring your own refreshments as food and drink kiosks may be limited or seasonally dependent.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the undulating, unpaved paths throughout the forest area.
Visit during mid-week to avoid heavy weekend crowds of local families and picnickers.
Do not leave trash in non-designated areas and avoid entering deep forested sections off the marked trails.
Respect local families using the picnic areas and adhere to standard 'leave no trace' principles for forest parks.
