Living in Sarıyer: Bosphorus Villages, Maslak and Zekeriyaköy

Sarıyer is where Istanbul meets the forest and the upper Bosphorus. Within a single district you can find historic waterfront villages, the business towers of Maslak, villa neighbourhoods in the green north and beaches on the Black Sea coast. This guide explains how the different parts of Sarıyer work for residents, how the district is connected, what types of housing are available and what to consider from an investment point of view.

Last updated: November 2026.

Sarıyer at a Glance

Sarıyer lies on the European side, in the far north of Istanbul, stretching from the Bosphorus shore to the Black Sea. It has a population of around 350,000 spread over a large area of about 177 square kilometres, much of it covered by Belgrad Forest and other green land. That low density is one of the district's defining features.

The Main Areas of Sarıyer

The Bosphorus villages

Emirgan, İstinye, Yeniköy, Tarabya, Kireçburnu and Büyükdere line the upper Bosphorus. They are known for historic waterfront mansions, seafood restaurants, ferry piers and parks such as Emirgan Grove, home of the city's spring tulip festival. Construction along the shore is strictly limited by the Bosphorus zoning rules, so homes here are scarce and change hands rarely.

Maslak and Ayazağa

Maslak is one of Istanbul's main business districts, with office towers, corporate headquarters and large mixed-use projects. Residences here appeal to professionals who want to live close to work, and the area is connected to Levent and the rest of the city by the M2 metro.

Zekeriyaköy and Bahçeköy

Further north, Zekeriyaköy and Bahçeköy offer detached villas, low-rise compounds and gardens close to the forest. Families who want space, privacy and fresh air choose these areas, accepting a longer drive to the city centre.

Kilyos and the Black Sea coast

Kilyos (Kumköy) and Rumelifeneri on the Black Sea are popular for summer beaches and weekend homes, with a quieter, more seasonal atmosphere.

Transport and Connections

• M2 metro: stations including Hacıosman, Darüşşafaka and İTÜ-Ayazağa connect Sarıyer with Maslak, Levent, Şişli and Taksim.
• Ferries: piers in the Bosphorus villages link Sarıyer with other Bosphorus neighbourhoods and the city centre.
• Bridges and motorways: the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge sits on the district's southern edge, and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and the Northern Marmara Motorway in the north give road access to Istanbul Airport and the Asian side.
• Main roads: Büyükdere Avenue runs from Sarıyer through Maslak to Levent, while the coastal road follows the Bosphorus.

Commuting times vary widely within the district. Maslak and the areas near the metro are well connected, while the coastal road and the northern villages can be slow at peak times. Our guide to buying property near metro stations explains why rail access matters for value.

Daily Life, Education and Green Space

• Nature: Belgrad Forest offers walking and running trails, picnic areas and historic reservoirs on the city's doorstep.
• Shopping and dining: İstinye Park and the malls in Maslak cover everyday and premium shopping, while the villages are known for waterfront restaurants and cafés.
• Education: the Istanbul Technical University Ayazağa campus and Koç University are in the district, alongside a range of private schools.
• Culture: the Sakıp Sabancı Museum in Emirgan and the Rumelihisarı fortress are among the best-known cultural landmarks on the Bosphorus.

Housing Types in Sarıyer

• Bosphorus homes: apartments and historic houses in the coastal villages, some with sea views. Supply is limited and prices are among the highest in Istanbul.
• Business district residences: high-rise apartments in Maslak and Ayazağa with concierge, gyms and parking.
• Villas and low-rise compounds: mainly in Zekeriyaköy, Bahçeköy and the forest edge, with gardens and private outdoor space.
• Older apartments: in inland neighbourhoods, often at lower prices but with more variation in building age and quality.

Sea views are one of the biggest price drivers in Sarıyer, and even small differences in floor, angle or distance to the water affect value. See why apartments in the same Istanbul building have different prices.

Sarıyer from an Investment Point of View

• Limited supply: forest protection and Bosphorus zoning rules restrict new construction, which supports the long-term value of good locations.
• Diverse tenant demand: executives working in Maslak, university staff, diplomatic and international families and seasonal visitors all rent in the district.
• Premium segment: Bosphorus and villa properties attract high-budget buyers, but they also have a smaller pool of buyers when you sell.
• Different strategies by area: Maslak suits buyers looking for rental demand from professionals, while Zekeriyaköy and the Bosphorus villages suit lifestyle buyers and long-term holders.

Things to Consider Before You Buy

• Zoning and permits: in protected areas, check carefully what can be built, extended or renovated before you buy.
• Running costs: villas, sea-view homes and residences with extensive facilities often have higher maintenance costs.
• Commute: test the drive or metro journey from the specific property at peak times.
• Title and legal checks: older Bosphorus properties can have complex title histories, so a careful due diligence process is essential.

To compare Sarıyer with other districts, read our guide to the best areas to buy property in Istanbul or explore neighbouring Beşiktaş.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sarıyer on the European or Asian side?

Sarıyer is on the European side, in the north of Istanbul, between the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.

Which parts of Sarıyer are best for families?

Zekeriyaköy, Bahçeköy and the compounds near the forest are popular with families who want gardens and space, while the Bosphorus villages suit those who prefer a waterfront lifestyle.

Is there a metro in Sarıyer?

Yes. The M2 metro serves Maslak and Ayazağa and ends at Hacıosman in Sarıyer.

Why is property in Sarıyer expensive?

Sea views, forest surroundings, strict limits on new construction and the proximity of Maslak's business district all keep demand high relative to supply.

Find Property in Sarıyer

Browse current property for sale in Sarıyer, for example Zekeriyaköy Green Valley near the forest or this high-rise residence in Maslak, or compare all property for sale in Istanbul. New to buying in Turkey? Start with our Property Turkey guide or ask our team for a shortlist.