Living in Zekeriyaköy means leaving the noise of the city behind without giving up modern comfort. I have worked as a real-estate advisor here for more than ten years and, within the Keller Williams Türkiye team, have settled countless families into the area. Zekeriyaköy sits in northern Sarıyer, held by the Belgrad Forest and reached by the cool air off the Black Sea. Daily life here strikes a balance between calm and activity.
Location and Natural Setting
Zekeriyaköy belongs to the Sarıyer district, in the north of Istanbul. Bordering the Belgrad Forest is what makes it a favourite among people who want to be close to nature. Morning walks, cycling routes and open green space become part of ordinary life.
The area's strongest draw is the combination of forest and sea. Starting the day breathing clean air is the best possible antidote to a demanding day in Istanbul. Settled since the eighteenth century, Zekeriyaköy has been transformed since the 2000s by modern villas and developments into an established residential area.
- Forest access: walking routes and picnic areas in the Belgrad Forest.
- Close to the Black Sea: 15 to 20 minutes to the Kilyos beaches, a cool escape on summer evenings.
- Air quality: noticeably cleaner and fresher than central Istanbul.
These are the qualities that make Zekeriyaköy suit families. Children grow up close to nature here, and the daily routine settles into something calmer.
The Shape of an Ordinary Day
Living in Zekeriyaköy means an unhurried but full pace. The day starts with a walk on the forest paths. Midday brings a coffee break in one of the neighbourhood cafés, and the late afternoon an activity at one of the sports clubs.
Weekends bring the centre to life. Boutique restaurants, cafés and social facilities give the week its colour. Horse riding and cycling are ordinary parts of life here, and the Sarıyer coast is close enough to add the sea to the list.
A typical day:
- Morning: a walk or cycle on the forest paths, with the Belgrad Forest five minutes away.
- Midday: a light meal at a local café, and the school run.
- Evening: a barbecue in the garden with the family, or the gym.
International schools and sports facilities draw families who put education first. The strength of neighbourly relations is what makes the area feel close-knit. For anyone wanting to escape the noise of Istanbul and build a life in balance with nature, it is a natural fit.
Social Life: Neighbours, Places to Go, Facilities
No guide to Zekeriyaköy is complete without its social life. There is a culture here that turns around small cafés, restaurants and independent businesses. The centre comes alive at weekends and holds the neighbourhood's conversations.
Sports clubs, art galleries and coastal venues connect the area to the rest of Sarıyer. Security is high, building is horizontal, and villas on generous plots give the place its character. The residents make for a social circle that is comfortable rather than formal.
What is on offer:
- Eating and drinking: boutique restaurants and cafés, organic markets.
- Sport and leisure: clubs, horse riding, beach activities.
- Education and health: international schools and nearby hospitals.
Between the blue of the Black Sea and the green of the forest, everyday life in Zekeriyaköy becomes something quietly luxurious. It is not only a district; it is a way of living.
If you would like advice on property in Zekeriyaköy and the surrounding area, please get in touch.