Sancaktepe (District)

Sancaktepe is a district located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, covering an area of 62.41 km². As of 2024, its population is 502,077. To the south of the district are Kartal and Maltepe, to the north Çekmeköy, to the east Sultanbeyli and Pendik, and to the west Ümraniye and Ataşehir.

The history of the district dates back to ancient times. The oldest known structure in the region is the Damatris Summer Palace in Samandıra, which dates to the 6th century. This palace was constructed during the reigns of Byzantine Emperors Tiberius I Constantine (578–582) and Maurice (582–602). The region came under Ottoman control in 1328, long before the conquest of Istanbul, when it was captured by Orhan Gazi.

Sancaktepe gained district status through Law No. 5747, published in the Official Gazette on 22 March 2008 with number 26824. Under this reorganization, the villages of Samandıra, formerly part of Kartal district, and Sarıgazi and Yenidoğan, formerly part of Ümraniye district, were merged to form the new district of Sancaktepe.

The first mayor of the district was İsmail Erdem, who assumed office in 2009. He was re-elected in 2014 and continued serving. In the 2019 local elections, Şeyma Döğücü was elected mayor. Following the 2024 elections, Alper Yeğin took office as mayor of Sancaktepe and continues to serve in this role. Since 11 November 2024, Naif YAVUZ has been serving as the district governor.

^{Samandıra Summer (Damatris) Palace} (Sancaktepe Municipality)

The Damatris Palace was constructed during the reigns of Byzantine Emperors Maurice and Tiberius (578–602). Inspired by the ancient name of Samandıra, “Demeter,” this structure draws attention not only for its architecture but also for its cultural heritage. Demeter was the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility; thus, the palace’s name reflects the region’s productivity and natural richness.

During its time, the Damatris Palace was one of the largest and most significant structures built outside Istanbul, serving as a hunting and leisure retreat for Byzantine emperors. It also held strategic importance as a gateway to Anatolia. Byzantine armies assembled here before campaigns, and emperors spent their final nights in this palace upon returning from expeditions.

Today, surviving remnants such as cisterns, columns, and vaulted ceilings reveal the grandeur and splendor of the original structure. Built using a technique alternating stone and brick, the palace is considered one of the most valuable architectural remains to have survived from Byzantium to the present day.

The area where the palace stands has been declared an archaeological site within Sancaktepe’s urban development plan. With support from the Council of Monuments, construction has been restricted, and excavation and restoration efforts have been initiated by the Sancaktepe Municipality to preserve the site and transform it into an open-air museum.

^{Abdurrahman Gazi Tomb} (Türbeler)

Abdurrahman Gazi, one of the key figures in the founding of the Ottoman state, earned his place in history through his role in the conquest of Aydos Castle. He entered Ottoman service during the time of Ertuğrul Gazi and continued serving under Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi. He is particularly known for his raids against Byzantine fortresses around Istanbul.

The conquest of Aydos Castle in 1328 was granted to Abdurrahman Gazi and Konur Alp, despite the castle’s strong walls making the campaign difficult. The conquest ultimately succeeded due to a dream experienced by the castle’s governor’s daughter, after which she converted to Islam and married Abdurrahman Gazi. This legendary tale illustrates that the conquest was not merely a military victory but also a triumph of hearts. Today, Abdurrahman Gazi’s tomb in Samandıra stands as one of the most important symbols of the region’s historical identity, welcoming visitors.

^{Arap Hekim Mosque} (Turkey’s Historical Monuments)

The Arap Hekim Mosque, located in Samandıra, does not have a precisely documented origin, but its name appears in documents from the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. Forty-eight different records from the Üsküdar Sharia registers between 1520 and 1567 concerning the mosque and its endowment demonstrate that it was an important place of worship and social center during the classical Ottoman period. This mosque is not only a place of prayer but also a repository of historical memory. Although the identity of the “Arap Hekim” after whom it is named remains uncertain, the mosque continues to attract public interest. Today, it also serves as the Samandıra Central Mosque.

^{Sarıgazı Mehmet Efendi Tomb} (Turkey’s Historical Monuments)

Sarı Kadı Mehmet Efendi, after whom the present-day Sarıgazı neighborhood is named, is recognized as one of the pioneering figures who participated in the conquest of Istanbul. After the conquest, this area was granted to him as private property, and he began living there. The tomb became a defining element of the settlement’s identity, and the name Sarıgazı was inherited from this historical figure.

^{Prof. Dr. Necmeddin Erbakan Külliyesi} (Başkan Profil)

The Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan Külliyesi, built on a 9,000 square meter site in the Abdurrahmangazi neighborhood of Samandıra, was inaugurated on 25 November 2016 by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It is a major center that adds significant value to the region, featuring a library with a capacity of 70,000 books, women and children’s reading halls, a youth library, an Enderun school, a children’s club, study and university preparation classrooms, art workshops, seminar halls, a mosque, and a muftiate building. This külliye, which won an award in the European Real Estate Awards, is designed as a modern interpretation of Seljuk architecture. The külliye, which includes a mosque, serves the public openly.

^{Sancaktepe Square Park} (Sancaktepe Governorship)

Opened on 23 August 2013 in the Abdurrahmangazi neighborhood, Sancaktepe Square Park covers a total area of 40 dunams. Approximately 30 dunams of the park consist of green space. As part of the environmental improvement project, 527 trees have been planted and enriched with seasonal flowers and various shrub species. Special walking paths with tactile paving have been constructed to facilitate access for people with disabilities. A granite-lined ornamental fountain, a key element of the landscape, enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area. The park also includes fitness areas for active citizen use and dedicated play areas for children.

During Ramadan, an iftar tent and various cultural events are held at the Square Park, which is located at the Sancaktepe stop of the M5 Metro Line.

^{Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Congress Center} (Tiyatrolar)

Built to meet Istanbul’s growing need for event facilities, the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Congress Center serves as a venue for national and international meetings, conferences, and ceremonies.

The multi-purpose facility, inaugurated personally by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 25 June 2019, includes a 900-seat conference hall, a 1,000-seat banquet hall, and two separate marriage halls. Located in the Abdurrahmangazi neighborhood, the center serves residents of the district while also hosting major events across Istanbul. The marriage halls provide couples with a venue to celebrate their most special day.

^{Aydos National Garden} (Gezilmesigerekenyerler)

Opened on 17 March 2024 by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality mayoral candidate Murat KURUM and Sancaktepe Mayor Şeyma DÖĞÜCÜ, Aydos National Garden is one of Istanbul’s largest green spaces where nature and urban life converge. Built on an area of approximately one million square meters, the garden is equipped with facilities allowing citizens of all ages to enjoy nature.

Within Aydos National Garden are social facilities, an adventure park, children’s play areas, walking and cycling paths, designated picnic and cooking areas, and a natural pond. Additionally, a 100-capacity book café and library, noted for its scenic views, provides a space for both relaxation and cultural activities.

^{Sancaktepe Neighborhood Map} (Hiclipart)

Sancaktepe comprises a total of 19 neighborhoods. In alphabetical order, they are: Abdurrahmangazi, Akpınar, Atatürk, Emek, Eyüp Sultan, Fatih, Hilal, İnönü, Kemal Türkler, Meclis, Merve, Mevlana, Osmangazi, Paşaköy, Safa, Sarıgazi, Veysel Karani, Yenidoğan, and Yunus Emre.

Sancaktepe hosts two major state hospitals.

^{Martyr Prof. Dr. İlhan VARANK Education and Research Hospital Entrance} (Sancaktepeah)

One of these is the Martyr Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Education and Research Hospital located in the Emek neighborhood. The hospital opened and began operations on 1 February 2018. With a covered area of 53,000 square meters and a capacity of 380 beds, it is a technologically advanced hospital meeting international standards, capable of serving not only the district but also surrounding regions.

The hospital is named after Prof. Dr. İlhan VARANK, a scientist who was martyred on 15 July during the coup attempt at Fatih Saraçhane.

^{Prof. Dr. Feriha Öz Emergency Hospital} (Anadolu Agency)

Built urgently during Turkey’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and completed in just 45 days, the hospital began operations on 29 May 2020. It has a covered area of 75,000 square meters and a total capacity of 1,008 beds, including 576 general care beds and 432 intensive care beds. It also features four active operating rooms, one angiography unit, two MRI machines, and three CT scanners, making it a high-level medical center capable of performing interventional radiological procedures.

The hospital is named after Turkish pathologist Prof. Dr. Feriha Öz, who lost her life during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Additionally, the construction of Istanbul Sancaktepe City Hospital is ongoing. This major healthcare facility will have a covered area of 990,500 square meters and a capacity of 4,050 beds.

Due to the passage of the North Marmara Motorway, TEM Motorway, and Şile Road through the district, Sancaktepe holds a critical position in terms of transportation.

The most important transportation network in the district is the M5 metro line. The stations on the M5 line within Sancaktepe are: Meclis, Sarıgazi, Şehir Hastanesi (not yet opened), Sancaktepe, and Samandıra Merkez.

Some of the İETT bus routes passing through Sancaktepe include: UM60, 131YS, UM61, 14S, 522ST, 19SK, 122V, 11ÜS, 131, 131Y, 11, 19EK, 19E, UM74, UM73, ÇM43, 14, 622, 19S, and 19A.