The arboretum was established in 1949 as the first of its kind in Turkey, initially covering 38 hectares.
It houses the country's first specialized plant nursery, established in 1916.
The site contains over 2,000 plant taxa, including rare species collected for dendrological research.
It operates under the jurisdiction of the Istanbul University Faculty of Forestry.
The arboretum serves as a critical living archive for rare and endangered tree species in the region.
The Atatürk Arboretum is a 296-hectare botanical research forest situated within the Belgrade Forest in Istanbul. Established by the Faculty of Forestry at Istanbul University, it serves as an open-air laboratory for plant science and conservation. The site features three artificial lakes and a collection of over 2,000 diverse plant species from across the globe. Managed strictly for research and conservation, the arboretum acts as a preserved gene pool for various tree species. It is designed with walking paths that weave through distinct botanical sections and landscaped environments. Unlike public parks, it prohibits activities such as picnicking, professional filming, and the entry of pets to maintain the ecological environment. The site is a primary destination for photography enthusiasts due to its curated flora and seasonal color changes.
The wooden bridge spanning the main artificial lake, particularly during the autumn leaf-fall season.
Carry sufficient water, as there are no food or drink vendors inside the grounds.
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for gravel paths and potentially uneven forest terrain.
Visit during the weekdays to avoid large crowds of local photographers and weekend visitors.
Do not attempt to bring food for picnics or sports equipment, as security enforces a strict 'no-picnic' policy at the entrance.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Strictly no picnics, professional photography equipment like tripods without prior authorization, pets, or cycling are allowed; remain on designated paths.
