Atasehir in Istanbul: Modern Living and Business Hub

Atasehir in Istanbul is a notable success story in urban regeneration. From state-of-the-art shopping centres like Brandium Mall to the stylish apartments for sale, this district has evolved from being relatively unknown to a globally renowned destination. Sitting on the Anatolian side, and now touted as a hotspot for real estate investment, the district also does a good job of attracting curious travellers, eager to explore away from the historical sights.

Key Points about Atasehir in Istanbul

Why Ataşehir is a Prime Real Estate Destination

- Modern Urban Regeneration: Once a lesser-known area, Ataşehir now boasts excellent urban renewal, featuring sleek skyscrapers, stylish apartments, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

- Strategic Location: Located on Istanbul’s Asian side, Ataşehir borders key districts like Kadıköy and Üsküdar, and is well-connected via the M4 Metro Line, TEM Highway, and is just 40 minutes from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Economic & Business Powerhouse

- Istanbul Financial Centre: Ataşehir is now Turkey’s financial capital, hosting major institutions like the Central Bank of Turkey, which has transformed the area into a magnet for white-collar professionals.

- Fifth-Largest Financial Hub Globally: With over 50,000 professionals, the district is ideal for investors seeking tenants or professionals looking for high-end urban living.

Real Estate Highlights

- Diverse Housing Options: From luxury high-rises to eco-friendly developments and family-friendly villas, Ataşehir offers a range of property types.

- Green & Liveable: Recognised as a "Green Municipality", Ataşehir incorporates ample parks, open spaces, and modern urban planning.

Top Education Hub

- Yeditepe University: A leading private institution with a modern campus, English-taught programs, and strong international ties.

- Other Top Universities Nearby: Fenerbahçe University, Marmara University, and Acıbadem University.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

- Watergarden Istanbul: A one-of-a-kind open-air entertainment complex centred around a musical fountain show, offering family fun, dining, and boutique shopping.

- Metropol & Palladium Malls: Major retail and leisure centres serving residents and visitors with hundreds of brands, restaurants, and cinemas.

- Ülker Sports Arena: A premier sports and concert venue, with cutting-edge facilities and VIP experiences.

- Luxury Hotels: Sheraton Grand, Radisson Blu, and Marriott Asia cater to business travellers, thereby boosting the area’s corporate appeal.

Who Should Invest in or Live in Ataşehir?

- Ideal for professionals, families, and international investors seeking modern infrastructure, excellent transport links, and a forward-looking urban lifestyle.

- While pricier than some other districts, property values reflect long-term growth potential and high rental demand.

- Offers a suburban-meets-metropolitan feel — quiet, safe, clean, and highly organised.

1: Geographical Location and Transportation

Neighbouring the districts of Kartal, Umraniye, Kadikoy, and Uskudar, the district sits inland from the Bosphorus Strait and the Marmara Sea. As part of the Asian Istanbul province, Atasehir is far from the tourist sites of the European side, such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, but has garnered admiration as a powerhouse.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is 23 kilometres away, or a 40-minute drive on the metro line. Sabiha Gökçen Airport, the second most important airport after the new Istanbul Airport, is a prime air travel hub for connecting flights and international travellers. The TEM highway is ideal for car drivers who want to cross into Europe, while the M4 Metro line transports passengers to surrounding areas.

2: Background Info

Asian Atasehir is just minutes from the Bosporus Bridge and the renowned district of Kadıköy. Developed on untouched prime land, Atasehir was built with the burgeoning middle class in mind in the late 1990s. However, not much transpired, and the area remained off the grid. Today, the skyline resembles that of Manhattan, with tall skyscrapers, wide avenues, classy restaurants, international schools, and expansive malls, thanks to urban regeneration and housing development efforts over the last 20 years. However, what sets Atasehir apart from other areas is its status as the beating heart of the Turkish economy and a leading financial centre, with 50,000 white-collar workers, the fifth-largest such hub on the planet.

3: Istanbul Finance Centre

The highly regarded Finans Merkezi (Istanbul International Financial Centre) is home to numerous global financial institutions, as well as the headquarters of Turkey's largest companies, including the Turkish Central Bank, previously based in Ankara. These institutions have previously been scattered throughout the country, with many in the European Levent, Mecidiyeköy, and Sisli districts, where older infrastructure and congested traffic systems have caused problems for residents and workers. Moving to the International Finance Centre to custom-built headquarters represented a consolidation of industry and wealth in a city at the peak of financial success.

4: Yeditepe University - The Other Claim to Fame

Yeditepe University, a prominent private institution established in 1996 by the İSTEK Foundation, provides a dynamic academic environment supported by robust infrastructure and a global perspective. The university’s main campus, 26 Ağustos Campus, stands out for Seljuk-inspired architecture, featuring ornate stonework, high archways, and spacious courtyards. Spanning over 220,000 square metres of indoor space, the campus comprises hundreds of classrooms, auditoriums, specialised laboratories, studios, and recreational facilities.

The university also offers extensive residential accommodation for thousands of students and promotes eco-friendly practices through large-scale solar energy systems and sustainability initiatives. Yeditepe has been recognised as the greenest university foundation in the country. Academically, Yeditepe also offers a comprehensive range of programs, including approximately 70 undergraduate majors, 90 master's programs, and over 40 PhD programs in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, Communication, Law, Education, and the Arts.

5: Ulker Sports Arena

Ülker Sports Arena, officially known as Ülker Sports and Event Hall, is a state-of-the-art indoor sports and entertainment venue. The arena, owned by the Turkish multi-sport club Fenerbahçe S.K., is primarily used as the home court for the Fenerbahçe men’s basketball team. Since opening in January 2012, the arena has grown into a key venue for both sporting competitions and central live performances in Türkiye.

Designed to accommodate sports events and world-class concerts, the arena seats around 13,000 fans for basketball games, while for concerts and stage shows, it can host up to 15,000 spectators. The total footprint covers approximately 55,000 square metres, with a ceiling height of 28 metres, to accommodate full production trucks and stage equipment indoors. The facility’s structure is designed with functionality and versatility in mind, enabling smooth transitions between uses.

6: Exploring Ataşehir's Real Estate Market

From smart residences to green spaces, commercial real estate and more, such is the vibrancy of the housing market. Atasehir is an ever-revolving circle of buyers and sellers. At any given time, several housing projects featuring high-rise buildings are underway, which quickly sell at discounted off-plan prices due to the district's global fame, and Ataşehir Municipality is recognised as a green municipality due to its dedication to providing green spaces and parks for residents to relax and enjoy.

Most property listings showcase various housing developments that exemplify the best of modern Turkish architecture. Apartment prices vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, and Atatsehir is a higher-priced district, but for this, homeowners tap into a lifestyle of wealth, luxury, and modern thinking.

The luxury living scene is enhanced by high-end residences with access to premium amenities and proximity to financial centres. For those seeking more privacy, several villas in the district offer tranquil family living amidst the urban bustle. Overall, Atatsehir has 17 official neighbourhoods, of which Barbaros exemplifies the district’s blend of residential tranquillity and commercial growth.

7: Metropol Istanbul

Designed as a modern urban hub, Metropol Istanbul combines high-rise condominiums, office space, a large shopping mall, and leisure facilities within a single expansive complex, making it one of Turkey's most iconic buildings. The location gives both strategic importance and architectural prominence, and at the core is a group of high-rise towers, the tallest buildings in Türkiye.

The tallest of three towers stands at approximately 280 metres in height, boasting over 70 floors, and features a sleek, contemporary design. The complex also features two additional towers, each standing approximately 150 metres tall, dedicated to a mix of residential and office use. Together, these towers house around 1,500 residential units and commercial spaces.

One key attraction is the Metropol Shopping Mall. With over 250 retail outlets, the mall is among the largest on the Asian side and designed with sustainability in mind. Holding internationally recognised green building certifications such as LEED and BREEAM, this reflects the commitment to energy efficiency and environmentally responsible design. International firms have crafted their architecture to meet both modern aesthetic standards and the functional needs of mixed-use urban living.

Metropol is more than just a real estate project. This self-contained urban environment seamlessly blends luxury, convenience, and entertainment in fast-growing districts. Whether you’re visiting for shopping, living, working, or leisure, the landmark offers multifaceted experiences to reflect the city’s future-facing identity.

8: Watergarden Shopping Mall

Unlike traditional shopping centres, Watergarden has an experience-first concept, with the most iconic feature being an enormous central show pool. This massive fountain combines water, fire, lights, music, and laser projections to create captivating performances throughout the day and evening, drawing large crowds for dazzling displays.

Surrounding the pool, a thoughtfully designed open-air plaza filled with restaurants, cafes, and casual dining spots offers visitors a diverse selection of options, ranging from traditional Turkish street food to international cuisine. A section inspired by nostalgia also features decor and food to reflect the city’s cultural heritage, creating a unique ambience.

Watergarden isn’t just about food and visuals but also family-friendly entertainment. The complex features a cinema, an indoor playground, a zipline, bowling lanes, a skating rink, and a fitness centre. With several attractions, spend an entire day here, whether you're with kids, friends, or just looking for something fun and relaxing to do.

9: Luxury Hotels and Commercial Markets

Alongside the business environment of Atasehir, there are luxury hotels to accommodate travellers just passing through. These include the Radisson Blu Hotel, just 3 kilometres from the financial centre. The Sheraton Grand also enhances the overnight stay with luxurious facilities, including Turkish baths. At the same time, the Park Dedeman Bostancı Hotel, Marriott Hotel Asia, and Livinton Hotel offer stylish accommodations for business travellers and tourists alike, with most providing 24-hour service.

Ataşehir, a commercial powerhouse, is home to growing commercial markets and shopping centres such as Optimum Outlet and Novada Ataşehir. The district attracts thousands of visitors daily for shopping, dining, and entertainment, and culinary hotspots like Sembol Ocakbaşı Ataşehir serve authentic Turkish dishes, including Doner Kebab, Turkish Delight, and Turkish Coffee.

Is Ataşehir a good place to live?

Ataşehir is widely regarded as a desirable place to live, particularly for families and professionals. With modern urban planning, wide boulevards, and relatively organised infrastructure compared to older parts of the city, the district features high-rise residential complexes, shopping centres, and business hubs, including the International Financial Centre. Well-maintained parks, schools, and healthcare facilities make the area appealing to middle- and upper-income residents seeking more structured lifestyles.

While Atasehir lacks the historical charm and cultural richness of districts like Kadıköy or Beşiktaş, and traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours, expect an exclusive lifestyle for fast-paced individuals, especially those in the professional sector and investors. Prioritising safety, cleanliness, and more suburban vibes within a metropolitan context, Ataşehir stands out as an excellent residential choice.

Use Our Real Estate Services

We are Property Turkey, and we specialise in selling apartments and villas throughout Istanbul. With our head office based here and sub-branches in other areas, such as Bodrum and Antalya, we are well-versed in the local housing markets of Turkey. Over the years, we have amassed extensive knowledge and experience in regional areas, as well as expertise in assisting buyers. You can start your property search in two ways.

Browse Our Atasehir Portfolio: Our listings feature a diverse range of homes across all 17 neighbourhoods of Atasehir. From prime central location to outskirts streets, they perfectly portray what buyers can expect. When a listing catches your eye, use the contact details to find out more via email or arrange viewings.

Chat with an Agent: Alternatively, you can call us today and chat with an agent. Whether you have questions about Atasehir in Istanbul or the buying process, we are ready to help you become a proud homeowner in Istanbul.

More About Neighbouring Districts

Kadikoy: Along with neighbouring Uskudar, Kadikoy is the star of the Asian side. From coffee shops to narrow streets, the nostalgic tram, and memorable ferry rides, this district of the Istanbul province is famous for sightseeing and buying houses in Asian Istanbul. Renowned for lively atmospheres and a vast street market spanning centuries, Kadikoy excels in creativity, gastronomy, and entertainment.

Üsküdar: The Asian district of Uskudar in Istanbul is the perfect chance to explore the city away from the tourist hotspots. Sitting between trendy Kadikoy and green Beykoz, underrated Uskudar deserves more admiration, since the area has been prominent from the beginning of human settlements.