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 lie 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 extends far back in time. The oldest known structure in the region is the Damatris Summer Palace in Samandıra, dating back 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 was brought under Ottoman control in 1328, long before the conquest of Istanbul, by Orhan Gazi.

Sancaktepe attained district status through Law No. 5747, published in the Official Gazette on 22 March 2008 with number 26824. Under this administrative 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.

Important Historical Sites in Sancaktepe:

Samandıra Summer Palace (Damatris Palace)

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

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 gathered here before campaigns, and emperors spent their final nights here upon returning from expeditions.

Today, the surviving cistern, columns, and vaulted ceiling remnants vividly illustrate the scale and grandeur of the original structure. Built using a technique alternating stone and brick in the walls, the palace is regarded as one of the most valuable Byzantine structures to have survived to the present day.

The area where the palace stands has been designated as an archaeological site within Sancaktepe’s urban development plan. With support from the Board of Monuments, construction has been restricted in the area, 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

Abdurrahman Gazi, one of the key figures in the early Ottoman period, 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 renowned for his raids against Byzantine fortresses around Istanbul.

The conquest of Aydos Castle in 1328 was granted to Abdurrahman Gazi and Konur Alp, though the castle’s strong walls made the campaign difficult. The conquest ultimately succeeded after the Byzantine governor’s daughter had a dream, leading to the castle’s surrender. After embracing Islam, she 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

The Arap Hekim Mosque, located in Samandıra, does not have a precisely documented date of construction, but its name appears in documents from the reign of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman. Forty-eight different records from the Üsküdar Sharia registers between 1520 and 1567 mention the mosque and its endowment, demonstrating its significance as a major 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 unknown, the mosque continues to attract public interest and currently also functions as the Samandıra Central Mosque.

Sarı Kadı (Sarıgazi) Mehmet Efendi Tomb

Sarı Kadı Mehmet Efendi, after whom the present-day Sarıgazi 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 a property, and he settled there. The tomb became a defining element of the settlement’s identity, and the name Sarıgazi was inherited from this historical figure.

Necmeddin Erbakan Külliyesi

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

Sancaktepe Meydan Park

The Sancaktepe Meydan Park, opened on 23 August 2013 in Abdurrahmangazi Mahallesi, covers a total area of 40 hectares. Approximately 30 hectares of the park consist of green space. As part of the landscape development, 527 trees were planted and enhanced with seasonal flowers and various shrub species. Special walking paths with tactile paving have been installed to facilitate access for people with disabilities. A granite-paved ornamental fountain, a key feature of the landscape, adds aesthetic value to the area. The park also includes fitness areas for active citizen use and dedicated play areas for children.

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

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Congress Center

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

Opened personally by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 25 June 2019, this multi-purpose facility includes a 900-seat conference hall, a 1,000-seat banquet hall, and two separate marriage halls. Located in Abdurrahmangazi Mahallesi, 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

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

The Aydos National Garden features 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, offers a space for both relaxation and cultural activities.

Neighborhoods

Sancaktepe comprises a total of 19 neighborhoods. Listed alphabetically, 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.

Hospitals

Sancaktepe hosts two major state hospitals.

1- Şehit Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Education and Research Hospital

One of these is the Şehit Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Education and Research Hospital located in Emek Mahallesi. It opened on 1 February 2018 and operates with a capacity of 380 beds across 53,000 square meters of enclosed space. As a facility of international standards with advanced technology, it meets not only the needs of the district but also those of 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.

2- Prof. Dr. Feriha Öz Emergency Hospital

Constructed 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 total enclosed area of 75,000 square meters and a capacity of 1,008 beds, including 576 general care beds and 432 intensive care beds. The hospital 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 pandemic.

The construction of Istanbul Sancaktepe City Hospital is also ongoing. This major healthcare facility will cover 990,500 square meters of enclosed area and have a capacity of 4,050 beds.

Transportation

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

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

Some of the İETT bus lines 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.