Located along the Marmara shore on the European side, the Buyukcekmece area in Istanbul uniquely blends historical legacy and modern development. Once a quiet retreat for summer getaways, the district is now a thriving residential, cultural, and commercial hub with everything from Ottoman-era landmarks to marinas, exhibition centres, and university hospitals.
The unique combination of coastal charm and potential makes it one of Istanbul’s most promising real estate frontiers. Whether you’re an investor seeking rental yield, a family looking for a modern home near nature, or an international buyer aiming to invest in Turkey’s real estate market, Büyükçekmece deserves a serious look. It may not be the loudest district, but in terms of smart, sustainable growth, it’s compelling.
About the Buyukcekmece area in Istanbul
Where is Buyukcekmece?
This coastal district sits in European Istanbul, along the northern coast of the Sea of Marmara. Positioned 40 kilometres west of Istanbul’s historic city centre, the residential area and popular getaway spot earns fame for the vast shoreline, historical landmarks, and growing suburban lifestyle.
Geographically, Buyukcekmece is bordered by the districts of Beylikdüzü to the east and Çatalca to the north, while Silivri lies further west along the coast. The location sits on ancient military and trade roads that once connected Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) to Europe. Today, Büyükçekmece is easily accessible via the D100 highway and the E5 expressway, as well as public transport options like buses and minibuses.
Mimar Sinan's Bridge - The Local Symbol
The historic Mimar Sinan Bridge, also called Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Bridge, is the local landmark and mascot. Designed by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, this remarkable structure was commissioned during the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and completed around 1567, shortly after his passing. His son, Sultan Selim II, oversaw its final construction stages.
Stretching an impressive 636 metres in length and about 7 metres wide, the bridge was an essential part of the old military and trade route that connected Istanbul to Europe. Its elegant arches, 28 in total, span the Büyükçekmece Lagoon and are divided into four distinct sections by three shallow islets. The structure was crucial to a recurring problem faced by the Sultan’s armies during military campaigns: the difficulty of crossing the marshy inlets and unpredictable waters of the lagoon.
Büyükçekmece Lake
Büyükçekmece coastal lagoon has played a vital role in the region’s history, ecology, and development. Separated from the Marmara Sea by a narrow sandbar, this long, shallow lake was a strategic crossing point for travellers and armies moving between Europe and Istanbul. Its marshy terrain and shifting water levels made it difficult to traverse, which led to the construction of the famous Mimar Sinan Bridge in the 16th century.
In modern times, the Büyükçekmece freshwater reservoir supplies water to the surrounding districts. Over the years, the lake has been partially separated from the sea to prevent saltwater intrusion, making it suitable for drinking water and agricultural use. It is part of Istanbul’s broader water system, and its ecological health is closely monitored due to its environmental importance.
The lake also offers peaceful escapes along its shores, walking paths, recreational parks, cafes, and open green spaces that are popular with locals, especially during weekends and holidays. In recent years, the area has attracted nature lovers and birdwatchers, as the lake and surrounding wetlands provide habitat for various bird species, especially during migration seasons.
Sancaklar Mosque: Where Minimalism Meets Spirituality
Hidden in the hills, away from the noise and chaos of the city, lies a remarkable and unconventional mosque in modern Turkey: the Sancaklar Mosque. Designed by acclaimed architect Emre Arolat, this award-winning mosque highlights how architecture completely reimagines tradition.
Unlike the typical domes and minarets that define classical Ottoman Mosque architecture, the Sancaklar Mosque blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. From a distance, you might not even notice it. Built partially underground, it appears like a natural formation rather than a building, almost as if it has been carved into the hillside. The mosque’s minimalist, cave-like design creates a serene and introspective atmosphere, emphasising spiritual experience over visual grandeur.
Historical Heartbeat: Ottoman Mimar Sinan’s Legacy
Büyükçekmece holds a special place in Turkish architectural history, mainly due to the enduring works of Ottoman Mimar Sinan, the empire’s most celebrated architect. His influence is still deeply felt in the district through stunning structures like the Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque, commissioned in the 16th century by the powerful Ottoman vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha. These mosques not only serve as places of worship but also as living testaments to Sinan’s ability to harmonise function, geometry, and spiritual meaning. Another lesser-known treasure is the Suleymaniye Mosque (not to be confused with the famous one in central Istanbul), which adds further historical depth to the area’s skyline.
Discovering Kıyı İstanbul Marina
Situated between the calm lake waters and the vast expanse of the Marmara Sea, Kıyı İstanbul Marina is rapidly becoming a landmark destination. This ambitious waterfront project blends yacht facilities, shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one place.
The marina itself can accommodate over 500 yachts ranging from small vessels to impressive mega yachts, making it a prime spot for boat owners and marine enthusiasts. Beyond mooring, the facility offers top-tier maintenance services with dry dock areas capable of handling around 100 boats, supported by advanced equipment and expert staff.
The development spans roughly 146 hectares along about 1.2 kilometres of coastline, transforming the area into a bustling complex that combines leisure and lifestyle. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy 200 shops, restaurants, cafés, and even a Yacht Club, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and fitness centres, all designed to create social atmospheres.
From an economic perspective, the marina contributes heavily towards the region. The investment exceeds half a billion euros, with the potential to create thousands of jobs as the project develops further. Its presence already uplifts the surrounding housing market and encourages new investments.
Accessibility is another strength: Situated just off major highways and approximately 43 kilometres from Istanbul Airport, Kıyı Marina is easily accessible, enhancing its appeal for visitors from across the city and abroad.
Real Estate Investment: A Rising Star in Urban Redevelopment
As Istanbul continues its transformation into a global megacity, new districts are emerging as hotspots for real estate investment. None more quietly promising than Büyükçekmece. Once viewed as a sleepy coastal suburb on the city's European fringe, Büyükçekmece has, in recent years, become a magnet for developers, homebuyers, and investors. With its strategic location, the district is increasingly being recognised as a wise choice for investing in Istanbul’s future.
Why Büyükçekmece Stands Out
What sets this district apart is the balance between development and liveability. The expansive coastline views, and relaxed lifestyles are entirely different from the city centre districts. For years, the district served as a summer retreat for city dwellers, but today, it is a year-round residential and commercial hub.
Several factors are driving this change:
- Availability of land for development, huge plots suitable for residential compounds.
- Urban renewal projects replacing older, low-density housing with contemporary, earthquake-resistant buildings.
- Growing investment in public transportation, and health and education services (including university hospitals).
- Rising demand for coastal living combined with access to city amenities.
- Urban Redevelopment: Reimagining the District
Like many other parts, Büyükçekmece is undergoing comprehensive redevelopment, guided by new zoning regulations and long-term urban planning strategies. Old, unsafe, and informal structures are replaced with residential complexes that meet updated seismic standards.
Investment Potential: Who’s Buying and Why?
- Local investors who want affordable pricing compared to central neighbourhoods.
- International buyers, particularly from the Middle East and Europe, are seeking Turkish citizenship through real estate or a second home by the sea.
- Developers and institutional investors are capitalising on mixed-use projects and gated communities.
While still more affordable than upscale districts like Beşiktaş or Sarıyer, home prices have steadily appreciated, thanks to improvements and a growing reputation as a liveable, secure, and scenic district. The district’s proximity to Kaya İstanbul Fair & Convention Centre and Kıyı Marina adds commercial value, especially for hospitality or retail projects.
Types of Properties in Demand
- Modern residential compounds with sea or lake views.
- Villas and townhouses in secure gated communities.
- Boutique apartment buildings near the coast or in central neighbourhoods.
- Commercial properties near main roads, cafes, clinics, or coworking spaces.
Neighbourhood Breakdown: Where to Invest
Multiple neighbourhoods, each offer different investments, lifestyles, and property types. Understanding the character of each area can help investors and homebuyers make informed decisions.
One in-demand area is Mimaroba (also called Mimar Sinan or Mimarsinan), close to the Marmara shoreline. This neighbourhood offers modern apartment complexes and private villas, many of which have sea views. Schools, hospitals, and transportation routes attract families and professionals alike. Properties in this area command higher prices due to their location and amenities, while also offering solid long-term value.
Next is Alkent, a well-planned residential community known for its green spaces and relatively upscale environment. Popular among families and upper-middle-class buyers, Alkent is characterised by secure compounds, large homes, and a quieter atmosphere. Investors can expect strong resale potential and stable rental demand in this neighbourhood.
Güzelce, another coastal zone, offers scenic settings with traditional and new developments. It’s popular for tranquillity and beautiful views of the Sea of Marmara or Lake Büyükçekmece. House prices here are slightly premium due to the surroundings, but the area remains less dense than other coastal districts.
For affordable entry points, consider Kumburgaz. This area features holiday homes and year-round residences, and although the infrastructure is still under development, it offers larger plots and potential for appreciation as projects near completion. The suburban vibes appeal to buyers seeking space and quiet, though it may take longer for urban amenities to catch up.
Central neighbourhoods like Cumhuriyet, 19 Mayıs, Bahçelievler, and Ahmediye offer older and newer housing. These areas attract mid-range buyers with moderate property prices, decent transportation access, and stable local communities. They’re not as scenic as the lakefront or coastal neighbourhoods, but have consistent rental yields.
For future developments, areas such as Kamiloba, Muratbey, and Fatih are undergoing rapid urbanisation. These neighbourhoods feature new residential towers and better highway access. Though slightly inland, they offer a lower price per square metre and are attractive to middle-class families and commuters. With the right project, these could see significant capital growth in the coming years.
Investment Outlook and Takeaways
Büyükçekmece continues to show strong promise due to its combined redevelopment and lifestyle appeal. Investors looking for capital appreciation might focus on emerging areas like Fatih or Muratbey, while those seeking long-term rental yields or second-home markets may prefer Mimaroba or Güzelce.
But as Istanbul expands westward, Büyükçekmece is rapidly maturing with solid urban planning and historical charm. Whether you're entering the market for lifestyle, rental income, or capital gains, this district meets various investment goals. See our portfolio of homes in the area, and use the contact details to find out more or arrange viewings. You can also contact an agent to chat about the Buyukcekmece area in Istanbul.
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