To the east of Istanbul, on the European shores of the Black Sea and Bosphorus, stretches a forest of pine, spruce, elm, oak and birch trees. Known as the Belgrade Forest, city dwellers floak to the scenic reed clustered lakes and fresh air for weekend recreation. Within the forest is a network of reservoir and natural springs of drinking water. Picnics are popular as people escape from the hot summer hubbub of city hie to relax under the cool shade of the forest, fanned by a gentle breeze while enjoying a barbecue. The more energetic can be seen hiking through the hills or jogging prepared for you, while the children play in the garden swings, chase a football around or enjoy a pony ride. Romantic couples are serenaded with a gipsy duet of wandering minstrels on violm and small bongos. Escaping to the cool solitude of the forest on one sweltering August afternoon. In the company of friends enjoying a barbecue next to our table under the trees, I was astonished by a large chicken which jumped directly onto our grill of coals. At first 1 smugly reflected on the prospects for barbecued chicken and thought he was en the process of introducing a new meaning to the words "self-service". But to my surprise, this cocky fellow began gulping down our shish kebab.

One of the most popular escapes from the city, the Belgrade Forest is the only sizeable piece of woodland in the immediate vicinity of Istanbul. The forest is made up of pines, oaks, beeches, chestnuts and poplars, beneath which a profusion of wild flowers grow in spring. Within it is a huge woodland park, best visited during the week, since it attracts hordes ol picnickers at weekends. The main entrance lo the park is near the village ol Bahcekoy and the popular Neşetsuyu picnic .nea is a half-hour stroll from this gate.
The park's other attractions are the relics of the dams, reservoirs and aqueducts used for over 1,000 years lo transport spring water to Istanbul. The oldest structure, Büyük Bent (Great Reservoir), dates back to the early Byzantine era. It is a pleasant half-hour walk from Neşetsuyu picnic area. Meanwhile, the Sultan Mahmut Dam. outside the park's gate, is a fine curve of marble which dates from 1839.
Eğri Kemer (Crooked Aqueduct) and Uzun Kemer (Long Aqueduct) are on the 016 road between Levent and Kısır-mandira and are best reached by taxi. Both have impressive rows of arches. The former probably dates from the 12th century, while Sinan built the latter for Süleyman the Magnificent  (s1)