Discovery of Nature Blended with History: Üsküdar

Üsküdar, one of Istanbul's significant residential areas, was a region where many construction activities, such as mosques, fountains, complexes, and baths, took place during the Ottoman Empire. Being one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia, this district is described as a region that meets the expectations of prosperity due to its strategic location and favorable living conditions. The district, which has historically fostered a peaceful life for its inhabitants, still retains this quality today.

Among Üsküdar’s most famous landmarks are the Maiden’s Tower, palaces along the Bosphorus, waterfront mansions, and coastal pavilions (known as "kasır"). These structures reflect the district’s captivating traditional architecture in all its grandeur. The pavilions, harmoniously placed to fit the topography of the Bosphorus, were primarily used as summer residences during the time they were built. Positioned on vast lands, these mansions are now famous for opening Üsküdar’s green spaces to nature lovers.

One of these pavilions, the Adile Sultan Pavilion, which is of great historical importance and also known for being the filming location of the unforgettable Turkish film Hababam Sınıfı (The Chaos Class) from Yeşilçam, holds a special place in the collective memory of the public with the traces of recent history. In this article, where we introduce the Validebağ Grove where the pavilion is located, we have also compiled the green spaces of Üsküdar, which offer extraordinary views.

Validebağ Grove

Located in the Altunizade neighborhood of Üsküdar, which encompasses both material and spiritual cultures, Validebağ Grove is the second-largest green area on the Anatolian side, spanning 354,000 m². As a first-degree natural conservation area, the grove hosts a rich variety of plant and animal species. There are over 40 species of trees and plants, some of which can reach up to 400 years old. The grove maintains ecological balance with its wildlife, including turtles, squirrels, and hedgehogs.

In addition to trees such as black pine, red pine, Arizona cypress, and fragrant cypress, flowers like hibiscus, bindweed, goldenrod, and clover bring life to the grove with their natural colors. Furthermore, Validebağ Grove is situated along one of the world’s major bird migration routes, providing a natural habitat where birds can rest and feed. Thanks to its various resources, the grove offers a rich living environment for many bird species, from cormorants and silver gulls to doves and swifts, as well as rollerbirds.

The grove, where butterfly species such as the painted lady, meadow brown, mallow skipper, and blue zebra can be seen, offers local and foreign tourists the chance to witness impressive scenery during their strolls. The Adile Sultan Pavilion, located within Validebağ Grove, was built by Sultan Selim III as a vineyard pavilion for his mother, Mihrişah Valide Sultan. Over the course of history, the pavilion was used by Sultan Abdülmecid, the Altunizade family, and Sultan Abdülaziz.

The Hababam Sınıfı series, based on the stories written by Rıfat Ilgaz, was first adapted into a film in 1975. The private Çamlıca High School, mentioned as the setting in the movie, is not an actual school. The classroom scenes of this masterpiece were filmed in one of the rooms of the Adile Sultan Pavilion. Thus, both the grove and the pavilion refreshed their place in public memory by hosting the stories of Hababam Sınıfı. The room used in the film still maintains its original design and now operates as the Hababam Sınıfı Museum, open to visitors. Inside the museum, you can find the desks, teacher's desk, chair, and blackboard used in the film, along with various posters and banners.

Upon entering the museum, you will be greeted by a wax figure reenactment of the unforgettable scene where Güdük Necmi gets caught cheating by Mahmut Hoca while hiding in the stove. The museum, which also features wax figures of other iconic characters like Hafize Ana and İnek Şaban, is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. After a peaceful walk in Validebağ Grove, we recommend visiting this museum where the scenes from the film will come to life before your eyes.

Küçük Çamlıca Grove

Küçük Çamlıca Grove, one of Üsküdar’s green areas, offers free admission and is open 24/7, making it an excellent option for taking a stroll and enjoying the greenery at any time of day. However, if you wish to use the dining services within the grove, you should visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

Küçük Çamlıca Grove, with its seasonal flower beds, pond, and children’s playgrounds, offers both visual and recreational diversity thanks to its large forested area. If you are looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy the warmth of a sunny day with your family under the shade of umbrella pines, plane trees, and Spanish firs, this place is perfect for you!

During your walk, you can also admire the impressive architecture of the Sofa, Topkapı, and Cihannüma Pavilions, which are located within Küçük Çamlıca Grove. Additionally, the grove features social facilities, providing services for your daily needs. With stunning views at every corner, you will want to capture every moment of your visit to Küçük Çamlıca!

Nakkaştepe Millet Garden

Nakkaştepe Millet Garden, Istanbul’s first millet garden, is located in the Kuzguncuk neighborhood of Üsküdar. This recreational area, offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, provides extensive walking and sightseeing opportunities with its 90,000 m² of space. With 50 m² of its total area overlooking the Bosphorus, it offers a visual feast with features such as a biological pond, waterfall, scenic terrace, and wooden bridge.

Picnic areas, walking and resting spots, adventure trails, and the "flying path" for an unforgettable walk along the upper part of the forest are all waiting for you. Additionally, there are open and closed children’s playgrounds, a plant exhibition area, an event lawn, and cafes. Nakkaştepe Millet Garden also has sections reserved for those who enjoy engaging in various sports, either as a hobby or professionally.

For visitors seeking more excitement, the recreational area offers facilities such as tennis courts, fitness areas, and a zipline. The garden also features an inventor’s house and an amphitheater, providing rich options for visitors of all ages to have a great time and spend a peaceful day in nature. Nakkaştepe Recreational Area offers a blend of social amenities with the unique views of the Bosphorus and the generosity of nature.

There is a small parking fee per vehicle at the garden’s entrance, which is quite affordable. However, there is no charge for pedestrians. You can visit Nakkaştepe between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

Written by: Tuğçe Arıcan