Istanbul's Green Paradise Zekeriyaköy: Zekeriya Bey's Legacy
Located in the north of Istanbul, close to the Black Sea, Zekeriyaköy is a prestigious residential area away from the crowds of the city, attracting attention with its natural beauties. This neighborhood, which is connected to Sarıyer district, was named after Zekeriya Bey, known as the founder. Zekeriyaköy has become one of the most popular neighborhoods of Istanbul with its historical past and modern structure. In this article, we will examine in detail the history of Zekeriyaköy, who Zekeriya Bey was and various features of the neighborhood.
Administrative Structure and Geographical Location of Zekeriyaköy
Zekeriyaköy is a neighborhood in Sarıyer district on the European side of Istanbul. It is administratively connected to Sarıyer Municipality. The distance to the central areas of Istanbul is approximately 25-30 kilometers. Thanks to its location close to the Black Sea, the region is known for its clean air and natural vegetation.
Zekeriyaköy is surrounded by Belgrade Forests to the north, Bahçeköy and Sarıyer district center to the south, Demirciköy to the east and Uskumruköy to the west. Since the region is located at a higher altitude than the city center, it has a colder climate than other parts of Istanbul, especially in winter.
Who is Mr. Zekeriya who gave Zekeriyaköy its name?
Zekeriya Bey, from whom Zekeriyaköy takes its name, is known as an Ottoman officer who lived in this region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. According to historical sources, Zekeriya Bey settled in this region and established a farm here. Over time, the settlement that developed around him began to bear his name.
Detailed information about Zekeriya Bey's exact identity and life is limited, but according to the rumors among the locals, he served in the Ottoman Army and after his military service, he settled in this region and started to engage in agriculture and animal husbandry. The fertile soils and forested areas of the region made it attractive for Mr. Zekeriya to establish a farm here.
According to some sources, Zekeriya Bey was one of the palace guards during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II (1876-1909) and after his retirement, he was given permission to establish a farm in this region. Over time, the settlement that developed around the farm became known as "Zekeriya Bey's village" and eventually took the name "Zekeriyaköy".
Historical Development of Zekeriyaköy
The history of Zekeriyaköy dates back to the late Ottoman Empire. The area was originally a small village settlement, mostly inhabited by families living off agriculture and animal husbandry. The region, which did not have a strategic importance during the Ottoman period, was mostly used as a hunting ground for the sultan and members of the palace.
- With the settlement of Zekeriya Bey in the region at the end of the century, the settlement started to develop further. After the proclamation of the Republic, from 1923 onwards, the area developed slowly, like other rural areas of Istanbul.
Zekeriyaköy, which was a relatively deserted and undeveloped village until the 1980s, has undergone a significant transformation since the 1990s with the rapid urbanization of Istanbul and the increasing demand for living spaces away from the center and in touch with nature. During this period, luxury housing projects and villas began to be built, and the region became a residential area preferred by Istanbul's elite.
In the 2000s, the popularity of Zekeriyaköy increased even more, and housing projects and housing estates that catered especially to high income groups changed the face of the region. Today, Zekeriyaköy is recognized as one of Istanbul's luxury residential areas.
Demographic Structure of Zekeriyaköy
The demographic structure of Zekeriyaköy has undergone a significant change in the last 30 years. Zekeriyaköy, which used to be inhabited by peasants engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, is now a residential area preferred by families belonging to the upper-middle and upper income groups with high levels of education.
The majority of residents are professionals, senior executives, business people, academics and artists. In addition, foreign diplomats, senior executives of international companies and wealthy foreign families living in Istanbul also prefer Zekeriyaköy.
Residents of Zekeriyaköy are generally environmentally conscious, nature-loving and embrace a quiet lifestyle away from the noise of the city. Neighborhood relations in the area are strong and local community events are organized.
Natural Beauties of Zekeriyaköy
One of the most important features of Zekeriyaköy is its rich natural beauty. The region offers the opportunity to inhale the forest air with its location close to the Belgrade Forests. Hills covered with pine, oak and beech trees form the natural texture of the region.
In Zekeriyaköy, it is possible to witness different beauties in four seasons. Flowering trees and greenery in spring, dense forested areas that offer shade in summer, the magnificent color riot of yellowing leaves in autumn and the landscapes under the snow in winter are the natural beauties of the region.
There are many hiking and cycling trails in the region. Especially on weekends, nature lovers coming from different parts of Istanbul enjoy the fresh air by hiking in Zekeriyaköy and the surrounding forested areas.
Zekeriyaköy's Modern Structure and Lifestyle
Today, Zekeriyaköy is a residential area full of modern housing estates, villas and luxury residences. There are mostly detached houses with gardens or low-rise housing estates. Surrounded by high walls and security systems, social facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and gyms are common.
The lifestyle in Zekeriyaköy is intertwined with nature but also benefits from modern amenities. Residents live in a quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city, while having easy access to quality educational institutions, shopping centers and restaurants.
There are many international schools in Zekeriyaköy. While these schools are preferred for the education of the children of foreign families living in the region, they are also popular with Turkish families. There are also kindergartens and nurseries run by various organizations in the area.
The shopping area in Zekeriyaköy Center includes shops, cafes and restaurants where residents can meet their daily needs. There are also markets selling organic products and boutique shops in the area.
Expected Future Development of Zekeriyaköy
Zekeriyaköy has an important place in Istanbul's development plans. Various projects are being carried out to protect the natural beauties of the region and ensure sustainable development. Particular attention is paid to environmentally friendly construction and the protection of green areas.
In the future, Zekeriyaköy is expected to remain one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Istanbul. The transportation facilities of the area are planned to be improved and social facilities are planned to be increased. However, it is also aimed not to harm the natural texture and to preserve the unique character of the area.
Things to keep in mind about Zekeriyaköy and Mr. Zekeriya:
Zekeriyaköy is a special residential area that stands out with its natural beauty and quiet lifestyle within the cosmopolitan structure of Istanbul. Although the legacy of Zekeriya Bey, from whom it takes its name, has been transformed into a modern living space today, it is still possible to see traces of the past in the spirit of the region.
Zekeriyaköy, which is located in Sarıyer district and served by Sarıyer Municipality, is an ideal option for those who want to live a life in touch with nature, away from the chaos of Istanbul. It offers all the advantages of city life with its high-level educational institutions, modern shopping opportunities and social facilities, while also providing a natural living space with its forested areas and fresh air.
Zekeriyaköy will continue to be one of the most special neighborhoods of Istanbul with the values it has carried from the past to the present and the opportunities it will offer in the future. The small village founded by Mr. Zekeriya has today become an internationally renowned residential area preferred by Istanbul's elite. This transformation process is a reflection of Istanbul's modern history.
