Göktürk Villas Guide: Living in Istanbul's Forest Suburb

Göktürk is one of the few places in Istanbul where you can live in a detached house with a garden and still be within reach of the city's business districts. Set on the edge of Belgrad Forest in the north of Eyüpsultan, it has grown from a small village into a sought-after suburb of villas, low-rise compounds and family homes. This guide explains what life in Göktürk is like, how it is connected and what to consider if you are looking for a villa or family home there.

Last updated: November 2026.

Göktürk at a Glance

Göktürk is a neighbourhood of Eyüpsultan on Istanbul's European side, next to Kemerburgaz and bordering Belgrad Forest. Its character is defined by low-density housing, wide green areas and a mostly residential atmosphere. Most homes are in gated communities, ranging from townhouses and semi-detached houses to large detached villas, alongside newer mid-rise apartment compounds.

Transport and Connections

• M11 metro: Göktürk and Kemerburgaz stations, opened in 2023, connect the area with Kağıthane and Gayrettepe in one direction and Istanbul Airport in the other.
• Roads: the Northern Marmara Motorway and the routes through Kemerburgaz link Göktürk with Maslak, Levent and the airport.
• Airport: Istanbul Airport is one of the closest major destinations, which suits frequent travellers.

Even with the metro, many residents rely on cars for daily life, school runs and shopping, so check parking and the drive to your workplace at peak times. Our guide to buying property near metro stations explains how rail access affects demand.

Daily Life in Göktürk

• Nature: Belgrad Forest, walking and cycling routes and the area's ponds and parks are a large part of everyday life.
• Schools: several private schools with large campuses are located in and around Göktürk and Kemerburgaz, which is one of the main reasons families move here.
• Shopping and dining: local shopping streets, cafés and restaurants serve daily needs, while larger malls are a short drive away in Kemerburgaz and Kağıthane.
• Leisure: Kemer Golf and Country Club and a range of sports and riding facilities are nearby.

Compared with central districts such as Beşiktaş or Şişli, Göktürk is quieter and more spacious, with less nightlife and fewer historic streets.

Housing Types in Göktürk

• Detached villas: private houses with gardens, often with pools, in gated communities.
• Townhouses and semi-detached homes: a more compact villa option with shared security and facilities.
• Apartment compounds: mid-rise blocks with pools, playgrounds and social facilities for buyers who want the setting without maintaining a house.
• Older village houses: a small stock in the original village core, with more variation in condition and title history.

What to Check When Buying a Villa

• Land and title: confirm the land share, the title type and whether the house was built according to its permit. See kat mülkiyeti vs kat irtifakı.
• Occupancy permit: make sure the villa has an occupancy permit and that extensions or pools are legal. Read what is iskan in Turkey?
• Forest and zoning limits: plots close to protected forest land can have strict limits on what can be built or extended.
• Running costs: garden care, pool maintenance, heating and community fees are higher than for an apartment.
• Building quality: compare developers, construction standards and the age of the home. See building standards before buying property in Turkey.

Göktürk from an Investment Point of View

• Scarce product: villas with gardens are rare in Istanbul, and demand from families is steady.
• Airport access: the M11 metro and motorway links make the area attractive for internationally mobile families and professionals.
• Long-term holding: villa values depend heavily on location within the neighbourhood, plot, build quality and community management.
• Smaller buyer pool: high-budget villas can take longer to sell than mid-range apartments, so plan for a longer holding period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which district is Göktürk in?

Göktürk is a neighbourhood of Eyüpsultan, on the European side of Istanbul, close to Kemerburgaz and Belgrad Forest.

Is there a metro in Göktürk?

Yes. The M11 metro has stations in Göktürk and Kemerburgaz, connecting the area with Gayrettepe and Istanbul Airport.

Is Göktürk good for families?

Yes. Its gardens, green surroundings, private schools and gated communities make it one of the most family-oriented areas in Istanbul.

Are there apartments in Göktürk or only villas?

Both. Alongside villas and townhouses, there are many apartment compounds with shared facilities.

Find Your Home in Göktürk

Browse current property for sale in Eyüpsultan, for example Göktürk Forest Residences, or compare all property for sale in Istanbul. Comparing districts? Read our guide to the best areas to buy property in Istanbul, start with our Property Turkey guide or ask our team for a villa shortlist.