The Kirazlıbent dam, which gives the park its name, was the second dam built in the Belgrade Forest area to supply water to Istanbul.
The forest structure is managed under the protection of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.
The park is part of an ecosystem that historically provided the primary water source for the Ottoman Empire's capital through an extensive aqueduct system.
The area is home to populations of wild boar, deer, and various birds of prey that utilize the dense canopy of the Belgrade Forest.
The reservoir area within the park is part of a complex watershed that includes several other historical dams in the northern Bosphorus range.
Kirazlıbent Nature Park is a protected woodland area located within the Belgrade Forest in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. The park is named after the Kirazlıbent dam, a historic reservoir constructed in 1818 by Sultan Mahmud II. The landscape is dominated by oak and beech trees, which provide a dense canopy for the diverse local wildlife. Visitors access the park via a main entrance path that loops around the central pond and surrounding picnic grounds. It functions primarily as a recreational forest site for hiking, trekking, and nature observation. The area features wooden seating structures, designated fire pits for permitted grilling, and elevated wooden platforms for bird watching. It acts as one of the quieter entry points to the larger Belgrade Forest network compared to the busier surrounding parks.
The wooden footbridge overlooking the historical Kirazlıbent stone dam structure.
Bring insect repellent, as the dense forest cover and water reservoir attract high mosquito activity during humid months.
Stick to marked trails, as the surrounding Belgrade Forest is vast and lacks cellular signal in deep valleys.
Plan to carry out all trash, as waste disposal facilities are limited and the park maintains a 'leave no trace' policy for visitors.
Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir or enter the forest after sunset due to low visibility and wild animal activity.
Maintain noise levels to protect local wildlife; strictly follow posted fire regulations regarding grill use.
