The Belgrad Forest, where this site is located, covers approximately 5,500 hectares and serves as a major watershed for Istanbul.
This specific zone is one of the few permitted areas for charcoal grilling within the forest boundaries, which are otherwise strictly regulated to prevent wildfires.
The surrounding forest area contains several historical Ottoman-era dams and aqueducts, remnants of the city's ancient water supply system.
The site sits at an elevation that keeps it significantly cooler than the urban center of Istanbul during summer months.
Belgrad Mangal Alani Devkan KAFKAS is a designated barbecue and picnic area situated within the northern sector of the Belgrad Forest in the Bahçeköy Kemer district. It serves as an established recreational space where visitors are permitted to conduct open-fire grilling within specified zones. The site is characterized by its dense canopy of oak, chestnut, and hornbeam trees native to the Istanbul forest ecosystem. The facilities include standardized picnic tables, waste management infrastructure, and clearings designated for ground-level recreation. It functions as a local hub for weekend outdoor cooking, distinct from the surrounding protected nature reserves where fire usage is prohibited.
The perimeter where the clearing meets the dense, old-growth oak trees provides the best depth for nature photography.
Bring your own charcoal and fire-starting materials as on-site supply is inconsistent.
Arrive early in the morning, especially on weekends, to secure a picnic table.
Pack all trash out with you to maintain the local environment, as bins can overflow during peak periods.
Avoid visiting on public holidays or Sunday afternoons, as the area becomes extremely crowded with limited parking availability.
The area may be subject to temporary closures by the regional forestry directorate during high-risk wildfire seasons, typically mid-summer.
Strict adherence to fire safety is mandatory; keep all fires contained within designated grills and extinguish them completely before leaving.
