Sile is a beautiful and charming district away from the noise and chaos of the Istanbul metropolis, as well as its traffic and stress. Located in the northeastern part of the Marmara Region, Sile is the northern window of Istanbul that opens from the greenery to the blue seas along the Black Sea coast. Across the Bosphorus, on the Asian shore, Sile’s long sandy beaches, overlooked by the remains of a genoese Castle, attract many visitors. The excellent restaurants and night life make it a popular weekend retreat for Istanbul residents. Cotton blouses and shirts (Sile Bezi) are sewn and embroidered here. According to the latest census (2023), the total population of the Sile district is 48.537. Most Of these, people reside in the town center. The remaining people live in 58 villages, including Ağva.
Out of these 58 villages, 38 are neighborhoods, and there are also 4 neighborhoods in the town center. The villages of the Sile district are connected to the town center, Ağva, Yeşil Vadi, and Teke sub-districts. There are 45 people per km². The name “Sile,” which is of Greek origin, means wildflower. Sile takes its name from a plant species called “mercanköşk” (basil). Throughout history, when examined, it is noted that Sile was established in the 7th century BC by Miletian sailors and has since hosted various civilizations. Moreover, the histories of Lydia, Persia, Galatia, Rome, Seljuk, Latin, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires are also part of Sile’s history. Because the first settlers were the Bithynians, this area is also referred to as Bithynia within the context of Anatolian civilizations.