The short answer for where is Maslak in Istanbul is that the area sits in the Sariyer district on the European side. However, house hunters, or anyone looking to work and live in the region, will benefit from knowing more about the location, amenities, and neighbouring districts, as well as transport links and landmarks. This district, which was previously off the grid until the turn of the century, now earns fame in the real estate and business markets. Although it lacks tourist attractions, the area offers much potential for house hunters.
About Maslak in Istanbul
1: Distance to Other Istanbul Locations
Residents and business travellers have a choice of two airports. The first new Istanbul airport is just a 30-minute drive along the D020 highway. The second airport, Sabiha Gokcen airport, is one hour's drive across the Bosphorus to the Asian side.
- Taksim Square in Beyoglu, known as the heart of European Istanbul, is 30-minutes drive along the Bomonti-Dolmabahçe Tüneli.
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is 30-minutes drive away.
- The famous Besiktas district is 20-minutes drive away via Ebulula Mardin Cd.
- The E80 highway also passes through.
2: Famous Landmarks
- Maslak Pavilion (Kasrı) – A 19th-century Ottoman hunting lodge surrounded by gardens, and showcasing imperial architecture amidst the modern skyline.
- Skyland Istanbul – A prominent skyscraper complex that includes residences, offices, and a shopping mall, with sweeping views of the city.
- İTÜ (Istanbul Technical University) Ayazağa Campus – One of Turkey’s most prestigious universities, the campus includes lush green spaces and modern research centres.
- Acibadem Hospital - Known as an excellent hospital in Turkey
- Maslak 1453 - A famous residential complex that acts like a mini city within a city.
- Spine Tower - One of Turkey’s tallest buildings.
- Diamond of Istanbul - Another Skyscraper, but still in the construction stages.
3: The Importance of the M2 Metro Line
One critical transportation route is the M2 Metro. This metro line stretches from Yenikapı in the historic Fatih district all the way north to Hacıosman in Sarıyer, passing directly through Maslak and other central business areas like Levent, Şişli, and Taksim. Spanning about 23.5 kilometres and including 16 stations, it offers fast, reliable service across European Istanbul.
With stations like İTÜ–Ayazağa and Sanayi Mahallesi providing easy access to offices, universities, and residential complexes in the area, the M2 line also connects with many other forms of public transport: at Yenikapı, commuters can transfer to the Marmaray line, M1 metro, ferries, and intercity trains; Taksim connects to the funicular down to Kabataş; and at Levent, passengers can switch to the M6 mini-metro toward Boğaziçi University.
Trains run frequently—every 5 minutes during peak hours—and services generally operate from around 6:00 AM until midnight. On weekends, the line extends into the early morning hours, making it convenient for late-night travel. With its high capacity and strategic connections, the M2 line makes Maslak a highly accessible neighbourhood, especially for those commuting to and from work or university.
4: Buyukdere Road – The Main Hub
Büyükdere Road is a vital lifeline directly connecting this bustling business district to the heart of Istanbul’s European side. Running through Maslak itself, Büyükdere serves as the main artery linking the neighbourhood to nearby hubs like Levent and Şişli, and further south to Mecidiyeköy.
This road is lined with iconic concrete and steel skyscrapers, including office towers, luxury residences, and cultural venues such as Maslak Palace and nearby İstanbul Sapphire. Büyükdere Road also provides easy access to premier shopping destinations like Vadistanbul and Istanbul Valley Mall, while facilitating smooth commutes via connections to the M2 metro and multiple İETT bus routes.
For professionals, students at institutions like İTÜ Ayazağa and Bahçeşehir University, and visitors alike, Büyükdere Road is essential for navigating the urban fabric including the E80 highway and the Sultan Mehmed Al-Fateh Bridge. Its strategic location makes Büyükdere not just a roadway, but a central artery fueling the vibrant economic and social life.
5: About the Sarıyer District to Which Maslak Belongs
Maslak officially belongs to the Sariyer district that covers the European Bosphorus Strait shores and heads inland. Fronting the Black Sea coast and covering 177 kilometres, with a population of roughly 400,000, the prestigious reputation includes the beach holiday resort of Kilyos. Altogether there are 38 districts, including Maslak and Emirgan, that have a history linked to the Ottoman sultans.
Sariyer also earns admiration for the Belgrad forests, a treasured green area and leisure place for families, and for expat families, there are also four international schools. Several notable shopping malls cater to a variety of tastes. İstinye Park shopping centre is prominent, offering a mix of luxury and high-street brands, an open-air shopping area, gourmet restaurants, a cinema, and a traditional-style Turkish food bazaar beneath a glass dome. Also in the area is Vadistanbul shopping mall with hundreds of stores, dining options, a movie theatre, and a scenic outdoor promenade next to a decorative pool; it even features a private monorail connection.
While slightly outside central Sarıyer, Kanyon Shopping Mall in nearby Levent is easily accessible and popular with Sarıyer residents. Known for its unique architectural design, Kanyon combines international fashion labels, local boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and a high-end cinema in a stylish, open-air setting. Sariyer is also bordered by the Sisli district that earns an esteemed reputation for luxury apartments, shopping, and nightlife.
More About Real Estate Investment
Alongside the bustling office buildings, mass urban regeneration has also focused on living spaces, and this makes Maslak stand out against the other central business district of Levent. For business and trade, both areas dominate European Istanbul. Still, there are noticeable differences for anyone looking at real estate, in that Maslak is more geared up for urban living.
From luxurious residential complexes with penthouses to modern skyscrapers and high-end shopping centres, the real estate market is now a prime place to buy property. If you're looking to learn more about Maslak in Istanbul and are considering buying property, please call us today or explore our impressive portfolio of apartments and villas. We are Property Turkey, a trusted estate agent, and we can help you become a homeowner in Istanbul.
Nezir Can 
Operations Manager
Nezir 'Nez' Can is Operations Manager at Property Turkey and a contributor on Turkish culture, lifestyle, and everyday life across the country. Since joining the company, he has helped international readers better understand what it is like to live, work, and settle in Turkey.
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