Istanbul’s New Urban Green Space Project Now in Service
Once a symbol of Türkiye’s air transport history, Atatürk Airport has now been transformed into a vast public park where nature and community life converge. Built by the Housing Development Administration of Türkiye (TOKİ), the Atatürk Airport Nation’s Garden officially opened on November 1, 2025, with a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, and TOKİ President M. Levent Sungur.
This project marks a major milestone in Istanbul’s urban planning, reclaiming a large central area for public use. A place long etched in the city’s memory has now regained its identity as a civic living space.
A New 1.7-Million-Square-Meter Living Space
Covering a total of 1,736,000 square meters, the Atatürk Airport Nation’s Garden is one of Istanbul’s largest green space initiatives. With 1.2 million square meters of greenery, over 20,000 trees, ponds, walking and cycling paths, it creates a rich ecological system.
Within the park are themed botanical areas, sports fields, children’s playgrounds, exhibition halls, a library, a traditional Turkish coffeehouse, gastronomy zones, and recreational spaces. In addition, designated gathering areas have been designed to accommodate more than 165,000 people in case of emergencies.
“Rebuilding the Natural Identity of Cities”
In his opening speech, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “Nation’s gardens are spaces that rebuild the green identity of our cities and strengthen social unity. Across Türkiye, we have opened 313 such gardens to serve our citizens.”
Minister Murat Kurum emphasized that the project contributes to the vision of the “Century of Türkiye,” describing it as a strong example of sustainable urbanism in the heart of Istanbul. TOKİ President M. Levent Sungur added, “This project represents a vision that reconnects urban life with nature, creating spaces for peace and shared living.”
Strong Public Interest
Following the inauguration, Istanbul residents showed great enthusiasm for the new park. Throughout the weekend, the area was filled with visitors — families strolled along the walking trails, children enjoyed the playgrounds, and people expressed delight at having access to such a vast open space in the city center.
The walking paths around the ponds, open-air cafés, and relaxation areas were particularly crowded. Many visitors described the reopening of the Atatürk Airport site for public use as “a historic transformation.”
Combining Disaster Resilience and Green Architecture
The Atatürk Airport Nation’s Garden is not only a recreational area but also a critical component of Istanbul’s disaster management strategy. Its infrastructure has been designed for sustainable use of energy and water resources, with large open spaces planned for emergency logistics.
Experts describe the project as “a model that unites green architecture with disaster resilience.” The park offers a peaceful environment for daily life while also serving as a safe gathering point in emergencies.
A Vision of Sustainable Urbanism
Built upon the principles of environmental responsibility, the project incorporates eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and water management systems. Native plant species were prioritized in the landscaping, rainwater harvesting systems were installed, and the preservation of the natural ecosystem was carefully ensured.
According to architects and urban planners, the Atatürk Airport Nation’s Garden represents a modern model for reconnecting urban life with nature. It is expected to host concerts, open-air events, and educational programs in the near future.
Istanbul’s New Public Space
For decades, Atatürk Airport was known as Türkiye’s gateway to the world — today, it has been reborn as one of the city’s major gathering points. This transformation symbolizes the unification of Istanbul’s past and future.
The Atatürk Airport Nation’s Garden now offers a new space for everyone seeking to reconnect with nature amid the city’s fast-paced rhythm. Contributing to Istanbul’s social, ecological, and cultural fabric, the project stands as a powerful embodiment of sustainable urban development.
