Atatürk Airport Nation’s Garden: Istanbul’s New Green Heart

1. Introduction

Once one of Turkey’s busiest airports, Atatürk Airport has now been transformed into a monumental public green space—Atatürk Airport Nation’s Garden (Atatürk Havalimanı Millet Bahçesi). Opened by President Erdoğan, this landmark symbolizes Turkey’s vision of urban transformation, environmental renewal, and community-centered development.

2. Location & Historical Background

• Located in Bakırköy, on the European side of Istanbul.
• Formerly served as Istanbul’s main international airport until 2019.
• The site has been repurposed as part of the “Nation’s Gardens Project”—a national initiative to increase green spaces across 81 provinces in Turkey.
• The official opening ceremony took place on November 1, 2025, attracting thousands of citizens and government officials.

3. Scale and Masterplan

This makes it one of the largest urban parks in the world and the biggest in Turkey.

4. Facilities and Features

4.1 Sports & Recreation

• 12 tennis courts
• 11 basketball courts
• 6 football fields
• 6 volleyball courts
• Skateboarding and roller-skating tracks
• 10.6 km cycling track
• 85,371 m² walking & jogging paths
• 18,750 m² recreational walking trail
• Artificial hills symbolizing Istanbul’s Seven Historical Hills

4.2 Cultural & Social Spaces

• Open-air libraries and reading areas
• Exhibition halls and cultural centers
• Botanical gardens and themed flower fields
• Restaurants, cafés, picnic areas & local markets
• Educational workshops for children and families

4.3 Disaster Preparedness Infrastructure

This park serves a dual purpose: leisure and emergency response.

• Designated as an official earthquake assembly area
• Equipped with emergency shelters and hangars
• Water storage tanks and energy systems powered by solar and wind energy
• Outdoor kitchens and logistics zones for crisis management
• 19 public restroom units distributed across the park

5. Symbolism and Vision

During the opening, President Erdoğan stated: “Istanbul is not just a city of buildings—it has a soul, a face, and a heart. This garden symbolizes our vision for a greener, safer and more livable Turkey.”

The park is a landmark of:

• Urban renewal: converting an industrial site into a public paradise
• Environmental sustainability: planting thousands of trees and creating ecological habitats
• Community resilience: providing emergency shelter areas for disasters

6. Impact & Future Potential

• Expected to become Istanbul’s new social hub for families, youth, tourists and athletes.
• Increases the city’s green-per-capita ratio significantly.
• Enhances real estate value in surrounding areas like Yeşilköy, Florya, Bakırköy.
• A potential venue for festivals, cultural events, and international gatherings.

7. Conclusion

Atatürk Airport Nation’s Garden is more than a park—it is a bold statement of Turkey’s urban evolution. It blends nature, culture, technology, and safety in one of Istanbul’s most symbolic locations. A place where the history of aviation meets the future of sustainability.