Audio GuidePolonezköy Nature Park

Welcome to Polonezköy Nature Park, a lush woodland escape just outside Istanbul, where nature and history come together in a truly unique way. Covering a green expanse larger than seven thousand acres, it is the city’s oldest and largest nature park, offering broad trails, peaceful picnic spots, campgrounds, and cozy guesthouses.

Aydın Bez

But what makes Polonezköy special goes far beyond its forests. Nearly two centuries ago, after a failed uprising in Poland, a small group of Polish people found refuge here. Supported by Adam Jerzy Czartoryski, a respected statesman, they established the village in the early eighteen forties. The settlement was first known as Adamköy or Adampol—"Adam’s Village"—to honor Czartoryski’s efforts. Later, it became Polonezköy, meaning “Polish Village.”

Özgür Çevik

Over the years, these Polish settlers preserved their language, crafts, and celebrations, blending them with local Turkish traditions. The result is a warm, multicultural community where you might still hear Polish spoken or encounter a Polish-Turkish festival. Historic churches, statues, and old guesthouses reflect this heritage within the village and nearby park.

Sait Davut

Today, Polonezköy Nature Park draws visitors seeking both adventure and serenity. Stretching under a canopy of oaks, pines, and chestnuts, trails wind past wild deer, horses, and flocks of vibrant birds. Whether you are cycling, hiking, or enjoying local dishes in a shaded restaurant, every corner of the park is a living story of shared history and natural wonder.

Selim YAVUZ