After more than ten years advising on property in Sarıyer and Zekeriyaköy, I have compared these two neighbourhoods many times. Zekeriyaköy with its wooded, generous plots, or Göktürk with its established gated communities? The cool air off the Black Sea reaches both, but one will fit your way of living better than the other. Here is the detail.
Location and Transport
Zekeriyaköy sits in northern Sarıyer, ringed by forest. It offers larger plots at a lower building density than Beykoz or Göktürk. New road links have made the motorway and the city centre easier to reach. Its closeness to the Black Sea coast makes it ideal for a cool walk on a summer evening.
Göktürk belongs to Eyüpsultan and has the energy of İstanbul Caddesi. Shopping, restaurants and entertainment are all within walking distance. At busy times, though, the noise of the main road is noticeable. It is more central than Zekeriyaköy, and the two are connected by the forest road.
- Zekeriyaköy's strengths: fewer residents, larger plots, quickly improving roads.
- Göktürk's strengths: proximity to main roads, faster public transport.
Both are among the best places to live in northern Istanbul, but Zekeriyaköy suits those who want nature and Göktürk those who want to be out.
Nature and Quality of Life
The word for Zekeriyaköy is calm. Paths running through the forest toward the Black Sea, and low population density, create genuine room to decompress. Large villas and detached houses with gardens dominate. Coffee to birdsong on a morning walk is an ordinary routine here.
In Göktürk the greenery is held inside the developments. Mature communal gardens and villas with private gardens combine calm with the comfort of a managed community. It is away from crowds and noise while remaining polished. Outdoor pools and security make family life easier.
- Nature in Zekeriyaköy: bordering the Belgrad Forest, with the Black Sea breeze.
- Nature in Göktürk: boutique developments, prestige within green space.
Both take quality of life to a high level through their green space. Zekeriyaköy, the quiet corner of Sarıyer, has the advantage of both forest and sea.
Social Life and Daily Needs
Göktürk is the stronger of the two socially. İstanbul Caddesi has an abundance of cafés, restaurants and shops. Schools and hospitals are close, and the playgrounds make it easy for families.
Zekeriyaköy is quieter. Shops and cafés are more limited, though the forest cafés make up for it. Central Sarıyer is 10 to 15 minutes away, so needs are easily met. People who want a quiet life choose here.
- Daily life in Göktürk: eating out and shopping within walking distance.
- Daily life in Zekeriyaköy: built around nature, with fewer errands.
Both are consistently named among the most liveable places on the European side: quiet, and good for families.
Investment and Housing Stock
Zekeriyaköy's luxury villas sit on generous plots. Low building density gives strong potential for value growth. Göktürk's boutique developments and move-in-ready villas are attractive in their own right. Both are sound places to invest in northern Istanbul.
Zekeriyaköy's forest and sea promise long-term calm, while Göktürk's central position delivers faster rental yield. Across the hundreds of transactions I have worked on within the Keller Williams Türkiye team, the choice comes down to personal style.
In short: Zekeriyaköy if you want nature, Göktürk if you want social life. This particular rivalry in northern Istanbul has something for every taste.
If you would like advice on property in Zekeriyaköy and the surrounding area, please get in touch.