Buyukcekmece District

Buyukcekmece District may not be the closest area to the center of Istanbul, but this attracts many who prefer tranquility and distance from the city noise. It’s still part of the bustling European side of the city, yet it offers a feeling of peace and calm the moment you step foot in it.
This article explores the advantages of living in Buyukcekmece and how to find the right needs and facilities.

Overview of the Buyukcekmece Area

Buyukcekmece is located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey, on the coast of the Sea of Marmara. It is about 40 km west of the city center. The area is known for its quiet environment and coastal nature, making it suitable not only for living but also for recreation.
To the north, it borders the rural area of Catalca, known for its quiet nature and farms. To the east are the modern and densely populated Esenyurt and Beylikduzu residential areas. To the south, it faces the Sea of Marmara, with beautiful beaches, while to the west, it borders Silivri, known for its summer resorts and beaches.
The area is a mix of local and foreign residents and is a preferred destination for families. Buyukcekmece offers a serene natural environment, especially with its views of Lake Buyukcekmece, one of the area’s landmarks, along with a promenade that stretches along the coast, offering opportunities for strolls and water sports.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Buyukcekmece has seen development in recent years in terms of real estate and residential projects, with modern residential complexes and villas. The lake, named after the area, has always been a source of water for Istanbul, contributing to its infrastructural development, especially in terms of agriculture in the fertile surroundings.
Getting to Buyukcekmece is easy, as it is close to the E5 and E80 highways, the main roads in Istanbul, facilitating transportation to various parts of the city.
Currently, there is no direct metro line to Buyukcekmece, but a metro line passing through nearby areas like Beylikduzu is under development. Residents currently rely on public buses and minibusses to reach the city center. Several bus lines connect Buyukcekmece with other parts of Istanbul, such as Taksim, Besiktas, and Beylikduzu.

Healthcare and Hospitals

Buyukcekmece is home to several public and private healthcare facilities that provide 24/7 medical services, catering to emergencies. Here are some of the main hospitals in the area:

1. Buyukcekmece Kolan Hospital
   One of seven branches of the Kolan Group of Hospitals, offering departments in almost all medical specialties, including maternity and infant care, with the latest imaging equipment and lab facilities.
2. Buyukcekmece Mimar Sinan State Hospital
   A large public hospital overlooking the sea and close to several green spaces. It is known for its friendly staff and efficient shift scheduling to cover all departments around the clock. The hospital also performs specialized surgeries.
3. Beykent University Hospital
   Located in nearby Beylikduzu, it provides excellent medical services, especially in the intensive care unit. It is part of the private Beykent University.

Education: Universities and Schools

Buyukcekmece hosts several public and private schools, as well as notable universities, including international schools serving foreign communities. Here are some of the main educational institutions:

1. Istanbul International School
   Provides international education with English-language curricula.
2. Arel Private School
   Affiliated with Arel University, offering modern educational programs for local and international students.
3. Beykent University
   One of Istanbul's leading private universities, with a campus between Buyukcekmece and Beylikduzu, offering a wide range of academic disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, arts, and sciences.
4. Istanbul Arel University
   Located near Buyukcekmece, offering diverse educational programs in fields such as medicine, physiotherapy, and engineering.

Apartments in Buyukcekmece

The apartments in Buyukcekmece are relatively new compared to other areas on the European side of Istanbul. As the area was previously considered on the outskirts, urban development has since flourished, catering to all tastes and needs. Generally, apartment sizes range from 70 to 250 square meters, depending on the type of apartment and residential complex. Most apartments feature modern interiors and high-quality finishes. Here are some features:

1. Luxury Apartments
   Buyukcekmece offers various luxury residential complexes with apartment sizes ranging from one-bedroom to three or four-bedroom units. These complexes often include upscale amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, private gardens, and parking facilities.
2. Family Apartments (Medium-sized)
   The area is ideal for families, offering spacious apartments with multiple bedrooms and sometimes balconies with sea or lake views.
3. Villas
   Some complexes offer independent or semi-independent villas with 24/7 security, swimming pools, fitness centers, and children’s play areas.

For those looking to buy an apartment in Buyukcekmece, here is a table of approximate prices, which vary depending on proximity to the sea, finishing quality, and additional facilities and services:

The Best of Buyukcekmece, Istanbul

There are many reasons to choose this place for your residence. Besides the mentioned advantages, you will enjoy excellent services in a highly touristy area. Here are some of the top beautiful spots in Buyukcekmece:

1. Buyukcekmece Beach
   Stretching along the southern coast of the area, parallel to the Sea of Marmara. Its calm and clean atmosphere makes it ideal for swimming and picnics. The coast is divided into three beaches: Mimar Sinan, Buyukcekmece, and Albatross. All offer a promenade with walking and cycling paths, along with many cafes, restaurants, and rentable sunbeds and umbrellas. It hosts summer recreational and tourist events like festivals and water activities.
2. Buyukcekmece Lake
   This huge lake divides the area into east and west. It serves as a freshwater reservoir, covering an area of 28.47 km², with a depth of about 9 meters. It is surrounded by green spaces and forests, making it an ideal place for relaxation, as well as offering water activities such as small boat (kayak) rides, fishing, and picnics.
3. Buyukcekmece Bazaars
   Popular shopping areas where you can find vegetables, fruits, and meats at very competitive prices on specific days of the week or throughout the week. These include Muratcesme Bazaar, Mimaroba Friday Bazaar, and Thursday Bazaar, where you can also find clothes and household items.
4. Shopping Malls
   Buyukcekmece is very close to some of the most famous malls on the European side of Istanbul. To the west of Buyukcekmece, you will find Marmara Forum, Aqua Florya Mall, Mall of Istanbul, and Historia Mall, along with many other modern shopping centers featuring major global brands, amusement parks, cinemas, and sports clubs.