Gokturk area in Istanbul: A guide to living and investment

Göktürk is an upscale residential neighborhood in the northern part of the European side of Istanbul, affiliated with Eyüpsultan Municipality, surrounded by Belgrad Forest and lakes. It is known for its villas and gated residential complexes, and the M11 metro line connects it to Istanbul Airport and the Gayrettepe area. The average price per square meter is about $3,366 for residential properties and about $4,939 for villas, and the average monthly rent is about 116,000 lira (about $2,320).

Göktürk is one of the most sought-after Istanbul districts for families looking for tranquility, nature, and spacious living, without being too far from business centers and Istanbul Airport. In this guide, you will find its location and how to access it, the type of housing available, purchase and rental prices, and who it is suitable for.

Where is Göktürk located in Istanbul?

Göktürk is located in the northern part of Eyüpsultan (Eyüpsultan), between the urban extension of the city and the northern forests of Istanbul. It was an independent municipality until 2008, then merged with Eyüp Municipality. The population of Göktürk central neighborhood was 39,639 according to Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data for 2022.

It borders Kemerburgaz to the south. Many people treat the two areas as a single residential destination due to their similar nature and housing types.

How to reach Göktürk?

Metro: Göktürk station on the M11 line opened on January 22, 2023. This line connects Gayrettepe to Istanbul Airport, and Göktürk is located between Kemerburgaz and İhsaniye stations. According to the Turkish Minister of Transport, the journey from Taksim to Göktürk takes about 26 minutes.

Istanbul Airport: Located on the same line, just two stations north of Göktürk. This is an important advantage for frequent travelers.

Buses: İETT lines connect Göktürk to major stations, including:

• 48: Göktürk to Mecidiyeköy

• 48L: Göktürk to Metro 4. Levent

• 48A: Göktürk to Kazlıçeşme (Marmaray)

• 48D: Göktürk to Metro Hacıosman

By car: The Hasdal-Kemerburgaz road connects Göktürk to Şişli and Kağıthane. However, it gets crowded during rush hours.

Nature of housing in Göktürk: Villas and family complexes

What distinguishes Göktürk from most Istanbul neighborhoods is the type of housing. Instead of high-rise towers and dense residential blocks, you will find:

• Independent villas and villas within complexes with private gardens.

• Gated residential complexes with security, swimming pools, and green spaces.

• Low-rise buildings on main streets.

• New projects by well-known development companies.

Prices vary greatly between these types. According to real estate expert Kıvanç Önder in Gazete Oksijen (late 2025), the actual sales price averages (not listing prices) were as follows:

These are expert estimates, not official data, but they help you understand the difference between property types within the same neighborhood.

Nature, schools, and services in Göktürk

Nature: The main reason for the neighborhood's fame.

• Göktürk Lake Nature Park (Göktürk Göleti Tabiat Parkı): An oak forest around a small lake, with walking trails.

• Kemerburgaz Urban Forest (Kemerburgaz Kent Ormanı): A project by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality near Göktürk, covering more than 5.2 million square meters.

• Belgrad Forest (Belgrad Ormanı): One of the largest forests in Istanbul, easily accessible from the area.

Schools: The most prominent private schools in the area:

• Hisar Schools (Hisar Okulları): Has a campus in Göktürk, teaching from kindergarten to grade 12 in Turkish and English.

• Eyüboğlu Schools: Has a campus in Kemerburgaz with kindergarten, primary, and middle school stages.

Check admission requirements and fees directly with the school, as they change every year.

Property prices in Göktürk 2026

Göktürk is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Eyüpsultan, both for buying and renting:

Source: Endeksa.

• Villa with an area of 250 m²: Approximate value about $1.23 million at the average villa price.

• Apartment with an area of 120 m²: Approximate value about $404,000 at the average residential property price.

• Villa prices are volatile: The price per square meter for villas reached about $6,500 in mid-2026, then dropped to about $4,939 in October. The villa price is greatly affected by land size, building age, and the complex, so do not rely solely on the average when negotiating.

• For rental investment: The total return is about 6% annually, compared to about 8.5% in the Eyüpsultan average. Göktürk is therefore more suitable for family living or preserving capital value, while those seeking the highest rental yield may find it in other areas.

To compare rents between Istanbul areas, read the guide Apartment rental prices in Turkey.

Can you obtain Turkish citizenship by buying property in Göktürk?

Yes, and more easily than in most areas. With an average of about $3,366 per square meter, an apartment of about 120 m² almost exceeds the Turkish citizenship threshold ($400,000), and most villas exceed it by a large margin. The property must not be sold for 3 years, and the value in the official appraisal report is what counts, not the advertised price.

A property worth $200,000 is sufficient to obtain a real estate residence permit in Istanbul.

Before buying: Make sure the neighborhood is open for foreign residence registration, as the Immigration Department closes some neighborhoods to new registrations.

Advantages and disadvantages of living in Göktürk

Advantages:

• Cleaner air and nature than most city neighborhoods, with nearby forests and lakes.

• Larger living spaces, and villas with private gardens.

• Direct metro to Istanbul Airport and business centers in Gayrettepe and Levent.

• Well-known private schools within the area.

• Quiet family environment and gated complexes with security.

Disadvantages:

• Purchase and rental prices are among the highest on the European side outside the center.

• Far from historic Istanbul and the Asian side.

• The road to the city by car is crowded during rush hours.

• Rental yield is lower than in other areas.

• Proximity to forests means caution is needed for fires in summer.

Who is Göktürk suitable for?

Suitable for:

• Families who want a villa or large apartment in a quiet environment.

• Those working in business centers (Levent, Maslak, Gayrettepe) or who travel frequently.

• Investors looking for a property that qualifies for Turkish citizenship and want to live in it.

May not be suitable for:

• Those seeking the highest rental yield.

• Those who want to live near historical sites and nightlife.

• People with limited budgets. They can check The cheapest areas to live in Istanbul.

For comparison with other neighborhoods, read The best residential areas in Istanbul and Guide to living in Istanbul.

Frequently asked questions about Göktürk

Where is Göktürk located?
In the north of the European side of Istanbul, within Eyüpsultan, near Belgrad Forest and Istanbul Airport.

Is Göktürk an expensive area?
Yes. The average price per square meter for residential properties is about $3,366, and for villas about $4,939 according to Endeksa (fall 2026), nearly double the Eyüpsultan average.

How much is apartment rent in Göktürk?
The average is about 116,494 lira per month (about $2,320) according to Endeksa data for September 2026, varying by size and complex type.

Is there a metro in Göktürk?
Yes. There is a station on the M11 line connecting Gayrettepe to Istanbul Airport, opened in 2023.

How far is Göktürk from Istanbul Airport?
Two stations on the M11 line.

Is Göktürk suitable for Arab families?
It suits families who prefer tranquility, nature, private schools, and have a high budget. We recommend visiting the area before making a decision.

Imtilak Real Estate: Your guide to buying property in Göktürk

The Imtilak Real Estate team helps you choose the right villa or apartment in Göktürk according to your budget and family needs. We compare available complexes for you, follow up on the purchase procedures until you receive the title deed, and handle the real estate residence or Turkish citizenship file if the property meets the requirements.

Browse Villas for sale in Istanbul, or contact us via WhatsApp for a free consultation in Arabic.

Edited by: Imtilak Real Estate©