<p fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">by Seden Mestan</em></p><h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">1</strong></h2><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">If you’re coming from Hasdal, you’ll first see the famous historical aqueducts that give Kemerburgaz its name. The one at the entrance is called Eğri Kemer (Bent Aqueduct), also known as Kırık Kemer (Broken Aqueduct). Even for locals, its architecture and the genius behind it are awe-inspiring. Many of these aqueducts were built in the Roman era to carry water to the city, but most have fallen into ruin. The ones that remain today are works of <a fr-original-style="" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimar_Sinan" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Mimar Sinan</a> and are currently being restored. Soon, they will stretch clean and proud along the forest.</p><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">Kağıthane Creek runs past here, and right next to Eğri Kemer is Hamidiye Waters. Both the creek and the aqueducts extend from Kemerburgaz to various parts of the city. These aqueducts date back to the 16th century, and creating such structures with the technology of that time was truly the result of great genius. Mimar Sinan, after all...</p><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">Alright, we’ve arrived in Kemerburgaz.</p><h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">2</strong></h2><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">First, for those who have traveled a long way, a little rest might be good. So, the first stop is the Tarihî Kemerburgaz Kahvesi in the town center. You don't have to come from afar to enjoy a coffee or tea break here; the tranquility of this place always does wonders.</p><h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">3</strong></h2><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">Next, for lunch, we head a few steps away to <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/mQ4GXQLq6JVJQQfW9" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Kardeşler Lokantası</a>. This place is famous not just with locals but also with people who travel kilometers just to eat here. Known for its hot meals and döner, Kardeşler Lokantası is a classic eatery. Don't be late, as everything sells out quickly.</p><h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">4</strong></h2><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">And then there’s dessert. Everyone talks about Kemerburgaz's pickles, but there's also a historical <em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">tulumba</em> dessert shop here. You can enjoy a quick treat there or get some to go.</p><h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">5</strong></h2><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">After so much food, it’s not the time for a long walk. Let’s stick around the town center a bit longer, maybe visit the famous pickle shops. There are many family-run pickle shops lined up here. It’s hard to choose because they've been doing this for years. Even if you’re not a pickle enthusiast, you’ll be amazed by the variety. My favorites are okra, beetroot, and plum pickles, but everyone has their own taste. They even have free pickle juice dispensers with spicy and non-spicy options. It’s healing.</p><h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">6</strong></h2><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">When the weather is nice, you can leave the town center and head to Belgrad Forest via Bahçeköy Road for a picnic. There are many picnic areas, but this might not be the best plan after a big meal at Kardeşler Lokantası. There's also a six-kilometer walking trail in Belgrad Forest.</p><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">We could continue to Belgrad Forest from the town center and walk along the famous trail under the freshly blossomed trees in spring, but we have a different plan for today. Note: Belgrad Forest can be crowded on spring weekends, both in picnic areas and on the walking trail. Decide if you prefer peace or lively activity.</p><h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">7</strong></h2><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">But we won't miss the forest air. We leave Kemerburgaz on foot and head to Selanik Boulevard. This street, flanked by two historical aqueducts, connects Kemerburgaz to Göktürk. Though it seems close, walking from Kemerburgaz to Göktürk is quite a hike. We’ll walk a bit to digest all that food and see the second set of aqueducts. These historical water structures next to Kemer Country are called Uzun Kemer (Long Aqueduct) and share the same history as Eğri Kemer.</p><h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">8</strong></h2><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">Stopping for a coffee at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/moosecafelounge/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Moose</a>, right by the aqueducts, is a great idea. Known for its coffee, brunch, and lunch menu, this cafe brings tranquility to your soul. It’s a soothing spot between Kemerburgaz and Göktürk.</p><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">After this, you could continue to Göktürk, exploring its main street’s shops and restaurants, but we’re set on breathing in the forest air.</p><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">We'll need a vehicle for the next part.</p><h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">9</strong></h2><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">Though it’s only two kilometers away, reaching Istanbul Urban Forest and Üçüncü Mekan requires taking the main road. You could walk, but it's a busy road with lots of cars and excavation trucks. Best to hop in a vehicle.</p><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">Both Istanbul Urban Forest and Üçüncü Mekan have added new energy to daily life in Kemerburgaz. The Urban Forest offers walking trails, cafes, eateries, sports facilities, and playgrounds. Open-air concerts are held here in the summer. Not yet in spring, but you might catch a concert if you visit in summer.</p><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">We might stumble upon a concert at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/ucuncumekan.kemerburgaz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Üçüncü Mekan</a>. Named for its proximity to the third gate of Istanbul Urban Forest, it’s an ideal spot for family and friends. Hosting events like concerts, talks, and open-air film screenings, spending time at Üçüncü Mekan’s eateries is quite enjoyable.</p><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;">After a day in the forest, as it starts to get dark, it’s time to head back. I'll take a vehicle home. If you're using public transport, you can head towards the center by bus or the metro connecting Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe. If you have a car, you’ll realize just how close you are to the center despite the kilometers. If you’re lucky (meaning no traffic), you can be in Taksim in 25 minutes.</p><p dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ah, what a great dose of oxygen!</em></p>

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