Located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, Sultanbeyli is a rapidly developing district that combines centuries of history with extensive green spaces and convenient access to the city’s eastern gateway. While primarily a modern residential district today, Sultanbeyli is best known for its proximity to Aydos Hill, Aydos Forest, and the historic Aydos Castle, one of the oldest fortifications associated with the Ottoman conquest of the Istanbul region.
Its strategic location along the TEM Motorway and close to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport makes Sultanbeyli an ideal base for exploring both eastern Istanbul and the surrounding natural landscapes.
Sultanbeyli is situated approximately 25 kilometres southeast of Istanbul’s historic centre at an elevation of around 130 metres above sea level.
The district borders:
- Sancaktepe to the north
- Pendik to the east
- Kartal to the south
- Samandıra and neighbouring districts to the west
Covering an area of approximately 35 square kilometres, Sultanbeyli lies between Aydos Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, and the surrounding forested hills that form one of the city’s most important green belts.
Originally a small rural settlement, Sultanbeyli has grown rapidly since the late twentieth century into a vibrant residential district with modern infrastructure and expanding commercial areas.
History
The history of Sultanbeyli stretches back to the early Byzantine period, although archaeological evidence indicates that the surrounding region has been inhabited since antiquity due to its strategic position overlooking the routes between Constantinople and northwestern Anatolia.
During the Roman and Byzantine eras, the nearby Aydos Castle served as an important defensive stronghold guarding the eastern approaches to the imperial capital.
In 1328, during the reign of Orhan Gazi, Ottoman forces commanded by Abdurrahman Gazi and Konur Alp captured the region, including Aydos Castle. According to Ottoman historical tradition, Abdurrahman Gazi married the daughter of the Byzantine governor (Tekfur) of Aydos following the conquest. This story became one of the best-known legends of the early Ottoman expansion into the Istanbul region and is recorded in important Ottoman chronicles such as Tevârîh-i Âl-i Osman and Kitâb-ı Cihannümâ.
During the Ottoman period, much of today’s Sultanbeyli formed part of the extensive Sultan Beyliği Farm, a large agricultural estate. In recognition of his distinguished service, Sultan Abdulhamid II granted these lands to Hasan Hüsnü Pasha, the Ottoman Empire’s first Minister of Maritime Affairs. Historical Ottoman maps from the early twentieth century document this ownership.
Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic, ownership of the estate changed several times. During the 1940s, large numbers of Turkish immigrants arriving from Bulgaria were settled in the district as part of government resettlement programmes. Agricultural land was redistributed to these new residents, laying the foundations for the modern community.
Sultanbeyli officially became:
- A village in 1957
- A municipality in 1989
- An independent district of Istanbul in 1992
Since then, it has experienced rapid urban development while maintaining close ties to the surrounding forests and natural landscapes.
Geography
Sultanbeyli occupies one of the highest parts of Istanbul’s Anatolian side.
The district features:
- Forested hills
- Urban parks
- Residential neighbourhoods
- Valleys
- Scenic viewpoints
- Easy access to Aydos Forest
Its elevated position provides cleaner air and cooler temperatures than many coastal districts, making it a pleasant destination throughout much of the year.
Top Attractions
Aydos Castle
One of the most important historical sites in eastern Istanbul, Aydos Castle dates back to the Byzantine period and played a significant role during the Ottoman conquest of the region.
Perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding forests, the restored fortress offers panoramic views of Istanbul and provides valuable insight into the city’s medieval history.
Aydos Hill
Rising to approximately 537 metres, Aydos Hill is the highest natural point in Istanbul.
Visitors come to enjoy:
- Panoramic city views
- Hiking trails
- Picnic areas
- Cycling routes
- Forest scenery
- Sunrise and sunset photography
Aydos Forest
One of Istanbul’s largest forest parks, Aydos Forest is a favourite destination for outdoor recreation.
Activities include:
- Walking
- Jogging
- Mountain biking
- Birdwatching
- Family picnics
- Nature photography
Aydos Lake
Located within the forest, this peaceful artificial lake offers a relaxing setting surrounded by pine trees and walking paths.
Things to Do
Visitors to Sultanbeyli can enjoy a variety of outdoor and cultural experiences.
Popular activities include:
- Exploring Aydos Castle
- Hiking to Aydos Hill
- Walking through Aydos Forest
- Cycling on forest trails
- Picnicking beside Aydos Lake
- Visiting local parks
- Discovering Ottoman history
- Shopping in neighbourhood markets
- Enjoying traditional Turkish cafés
Nature lovers will particularly appreciate the district’s extensive green spaces.
Food and Drink
Sultanbeyli offers a wide selection of traditional Turkish cuisine.
Popular dishes include:
- Grilled kebabs
- Köfte (Turkish meatballs)
- Lahmacun
- Pide
- Gözleme
- Village breakfasts
- Baklava
- Turkish tea
- Freshly roasted coffee
Family-run restaurants serve authentic Anatolian recipes reflecting the district’s diverse migrant heritage.
Shopping
Visitors will find:
- Local markets
- Shopping streets
- Traditional bakeries
- Turkish sweet shops
- Fresh produce markets
- Handmade goods
- Modern shopping centres in nearby districts
Weekly neighbourhood markets offer locally grown fruit, vegetables, and regional products.
Accommodation
Although Sultanbeyli is primarily a residential district, visitors can find:
- Business hotels
- Boutique accommodation
- Guesthouses
- Apartment rentals
A wider selection of hotels is available in nearby Pendik, Kartal, and around Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.
Climate
Sultanbeyli experiences a temperate Mediterranean climate with slightly cooler temperatures than coastal Istanbul because of its higher elevation.
Spring (March–May): Mild weather with blooming forests and ideal hiking conditions.
Summer (June–August): Warm but generally cooler than central Istanbul due to the surrounding woodlands.
Autumn (September–November): Comfortable temperatures and colourful forest scenery.
Winter (December–February): Cool, rainy, and occasionally snowy on higher ground.
Getting There
Sultanbeyli is well connected to the rest of Istanbul.
Visitors can reach the district by:
- Private car via the TEM (O-4) Motorway
- Municipal buses
- Metro connections through nearby districts
- Taxi and ride-hailing services
The district is also conveniently located within easy driving distance of Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.
Nearby Attractions
Sultanbeyli provides easy access to several popular destinations.
Aydos Forest
Istanbul’s largest forest recreation area, ideal for hiking, cycling, and picnics.
Pendik
A lively coastal district featuring a marina, waterfront promenade, shopping centres, and ferry services.
Kartal
Known for its seaside parks, restaurants, and panoramic views across the Princes’ Islands.
Sancaktepe
A growing residential district offering parks, shopping, and access to northern forest areas.
Şile
A scenic Black Sea destination famous for its beaches, lighthouse, and traditional Şile cloth, approximately one hour away by road.
Travel Tips
- Visit Aydos Hill early in the morning for the clearest panoramic views.
- Wear comfortable footwear if planning to explore the forest trails or castle.
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons for outdoor activities.
- Combine a visit with nearby Pendik or Kartal for a full-day excursion.
- Bring a camera—the viewpoints from Aydos Castle and Aydos Hill offer some of the finest panoramas in Istanbul.
- Weekdays are generally quieter if you prefer peaceful walks in Aydos Forest.
Why Visit Sultanbeyli?
Sultanbeyli offers visitors a refreshing combination of history, nature, and modern urban life. From the medieval walls of Aydos Castle and the legendary stories of the early Ottoman conquest to the scenic trails of Aydos Forest and the highest viewpoints in Istanbul, the district provides a rewarding experience for travellers seeking something beyond the city’s famous historic centre. Whether you’re interested in hiking, history, photography, or simply escaping into nature, Sultanbeyli reveals a quieter and greener side of Istanbul.