Zekeriyaköy stands out as one of the most prestigious parts of Sarıyer, in northern Istanbul. Surrounded by forest and close to the Black Sea, this neighbourhood offers a calm life and keeps growing in both population and community. As a Zekeriyaköy property advisor with more than ten years in the area, working within the Keller Williams Türkiye team, I will set out the current data here.
This is a place close to the city centre but held by nature. Villas favoured by upper-income households, social facilities and strong neighbourly relations are what define the community here. The detail follows.
Population: The Current Figures
Zekeriyaköy's population has grown steadily in recent years. According to the most recent official count, the 2025 TÜİK address-based registration results, 24,291 people live here: 11,628 men and 12,663 women. That makes it the second most populous neighbourhood in Sarıyer, after Ayazağa.
The distribution is balanced at roughly 49 percent men and 51 percent women. The population was 22,558 in 2022 and reached 23,549 by 2024, a rise of 5 percent. The growth curve:
- 2013: 16,524
- 2019: 19,896
- 2021: 21,909, a sharp rise
- 2024: 23,549
- 2025: 24,291
This reflects the wider movement toward northern Istanbul. Population density is around 2,015 people per km², and the extensive woodland keeps the area feeling open. Despite its size, Zekeriyaköy retains its status as a forest village, and with a population above 10,000 it remains the most populous village in Turkey.
Within Sarıyer, Zekeriyaköy stands out with a population above 24,000. It is 4.5 km from the Black Sea coast and 6 km from central Sarıyer, which makes it easy to reach. The figures point to a genuinely prestigious demographic.
The Social Fabric
The community in Zekeriyaköy has an established, upper-income profile. Developments of substantial villas draw Istanbul residents who value quiet. At 9.5 km from the city centre, it is a point where nature and comfort meet.
The social fabric is made up of educated households at high socio-economic levels. Forest villas, private schools and social clubs enrich daily life and strengthen neighbourly relations. The balance between younger and older residents is even, and the gender split runs slightly in favour of women at 51 percent.
What the area offers:
- Forest and nature: bordering the Belgrad Forest, with clean air and walking routes.
- Access to the Black Sea: 4.5 km to the Kilyos beaches, ideal in summer.
- Security and standing: gated communities with 24-hour security.
- Education: international schools nearby.
This structure is what makes Zekeriyaköy attractive as an investment. Population growth drives the growth of social facilities, and cafés and sports venues continue to multiply.
Demographics and Outlook
On demographics, Zekeriyaköy leads Sarıyer. The 2025 TÜİK figure of 24,291 shows a stable growth line. Arrivals are typically white-collar professionals, and demand for a life closer to nature rose after the pandemic.
Within Sarıyer:
- Ayazağa: 34,528, the most populous
- Zekeriyaköy: 24,291
- Tarabya: 17,598
Zekeriyaköy's strength is the pairing of forest and sea, and that is what protects property values. The balance across age groups gives it a family-oriented profile.
The population may exceed 25,000 in the coming years, supported by infrastructure investment. In my own experience over more than ten years, that growth keeps property demand rising. A neighbourhood like this one is hard to find in northern Sarıyer.
If you would like advice on property in Zekeriyaköy and the surrounding area, please get in touch.
Zekeriyaköy population
Zekeriyaköy is a neighbourhood of the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. According to the 2025 results of the TÜİK address-based population registration system, its population is 24,291: 11,628 men and 12,663 women. That makes Zekeriyaköy the second most populous neighbourhood in Sarıyer, after Ayazağa with 34,528. Source: TÜİK Address-Based Population Registration System (ADNKS), 2025 results.