Veliefendi Hippodrome

Located at the boundary between Zeytinburnu and Bakırköy in Istanbul, the Veliefendi Hipodromu was used for centuries as an extensive grassland area and became the primary venue for modern horse racing in the early 20th century. Today it functions as Türkiye’s oldest and largest hippodrome, serving as a significant focal point for both leisure culture and racing history throughout its long past.

Veliefendi Hipodromu (Flickr)

Historical Background and Initial Uses of the Site

Veliyüddin Efendi Vakfı and Leisure Ground

The name Veliefendi derives from Şeyhülislam Veliyüddin Efendi. The site included the coastal portion of Çırpıcı Çayırı, a tract of land granted by Sultan III. Mustafa to Veliyüddin Efendi as a gesture of apology after unfounded accusations were made against him. Veliyüddin Efendi endowed this land as a public leisure area, assumed responsibility for its maintenance, and commissioned the construction of fountains and small structures.

In Ottoman Istanbul, leisure areas were characterized by grasslands, streams, and open expanses where strolling, picnicking, carriage rides, games, and sporting activities took place. Veliefendi Çayırı served as an important leisure ground with these characteristics. It is recorded that the mosque, farm, and fountains built by the Şeyhülislam contributed to the area’s established identity as a structured leisure destination.

Beginning of Modern Horse Racing (1911–1913)

Islah-ı Nesl-i Feres Cemiyeti and the First Races

The transformation of Veliefendi Çayırı into a racing venue dates to 1911. Under the leadership of Mahmud Şevket Paşa, the Islah-ı Nesl-i Feres (Improvement of the Horse Breed) Society selected Veliefendi Çayırı as the site for modern-style horse racing in Istanbul. Wooden grandstands were constructed on the grassland, and the first regular races were held in August 1911.

Another source states that Enver Paşa requested the German delegation to identify a suitable area in Istanbul for hosting races; after evaluation, Veliefendi Çayırı was deemed appropriate, and two tracks with wooden grandstands were rapidly constructed.

Construction Phase 1912–1913

The first modern structures of the hippodrome were built between 1912 and 1913 by German experts. This period marked the beginning of Veliefendi’s identity as a racing facility.

Development Between 1920 and 1950

Following the Second Constitutional Era, racing activities revived, and Veliefendi Çayırı became a major racing venue. Despite the Balkan Wars, a six-race program was organized in 1913, attended by prominent figures of the era. It is recorded that Crown Prince Yusuf İzzeddin Efendi and state officials participated in the races.

Servet-i Fünûn Magazine: Spectators flocking to the horse races (National Library)

Racing activities continued into the early years of the Republic and were formally organized into a regular program in 1924 with the reactivation of equestrian organizations in Veliefendi.

Servet-i Fünûn Magazine: Enthusiastic spectators at Veliefendi horse races (National Library)

In 1950, the land was leased by the Ministry of Agriculture to the Turkish Jockey Club, thereby establishing the hippodrome’s operations under a structured institutional framework.

Servet-i Fünûn Magazine: Horses and jockeys participating in the fourth race at the start of the race (National Library)

Structural Developments After 1950

Grandstands, Tracks, and Facility Expansions

After 1950, the hippodrome expanded rapidly; first a sand track and later a turf track were constructed. In 1968, a grandstand with a capacity of 500 seats was added, followed by another new grandstand in 1987. Additionally, paddock areas, jockey rooms, stables, parking lots, restaurants, and other service facilities were built.

In 2008, with the completion of the lighting system, night races began.

Current Structure of Veliefendi Hipodromu

Land and Track Features

The Veliefendi Hipodromu is built on a total area of 596 dönüm. The current track configurations are as follows:

• Turf Track: Oval track 2020 meters long and 27–36 meters wide
• Synthetic (Sand) Track: Racing track 1870 meters long and 17.5–19 meters wide
• Sand Training Track: Training track 1720 meters long and 14–16 meters wide

These figures are also recorded identically in the official records of TJK.

Hippodrome Facilities

The structures and service units within the hippodrome include:

• Administrative buildings
• Horse Hospital
• Apranti Training Center
• Shop
• Museum and exhibition hall
• Two grandstand buildings (with capacities of 987 and 3017 seats respectively)
• 207 m² LED screen and 168 m² scoreboard
• Picnic area with 110 tables
• Children’s playground, cafeterias, and extensive parking area

Veliefendi Hipodromu (AA)

Veliefendi’s Position in Racing History

Gazi Koşusu and Other Major Races

The Veliefendi Hipodromu hosts numerous important races, including Türkiye’s most prestigious race, the Gazi Koşusu. As the longest continuously active venue for horse racing in Türkiye, it has become one of the foundational elements of the national racing culture.

Veliefendi stands out among Türkiye’s hippodromes in terms of location, capacity, and historical continuity. With its turf and synthetic tracks, training facilities, stable capacity, and social areas, it ranks among the country’s most advanced racing facilities.

99th Gazi Koşusu (AA)

The Veliefendi Hipodromu has served as the physical space for a long transformation process from Ottoman leisure culture to modern Turkish racing. Evolving from a grassland area endowed in the 18th century into a modern hippodrome in the 20th century, it is today among Türkiye’s most comprehensive facilities in terms of historical continuity and racing practice. Its structural developments, track characteristics, race programs, and urban location have established the Veliefendi Hipodromu as one of Istanbul’s key cultural and sporting venues.