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Maslak
Maslak
from Wikipedia
A panorama of Maslak business district in 2014

Key Information

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the skyscrapers of Levent (left) and Maslak (right) business districts
Maslak Kasrı

Maslak is a neighbourhood in Sarıyer, Istanbul Province, in Turkey.[1] Its population is 12,260 (2022).[2] It is one of the main business districts of Istanbul, located on the European side of the city. It was formerly an exclave of the municipality of Şişli, though being far north and actually closer to the municipalities of Sarıyer and Beşiktaş. In 2012, the jurisdiction of the Maslak district was shifted from Şişli to Sarıyer.[3]

Maslak is in direct competition with the nearby Levent business district for new skyscraper projects. The tallest skyscraper in Maslak[4] is the 47-floor Spine Tower, which reaches a height of 202 meters;[5][6] and the tallest skyscraper currently under construction in the nation is the Diamond of Istanbul,[7] which comprises three centrally-connected towers, the tallest of which will have 53 floors above ground and will reach a structural height of 270 meters.[8]

The Diamond of Istanbul will be the first steel skyscraper in Turkey, despite the fact that constructing with steel costs more than constructing with concrete. The reason for choosing steel was its relative strength in resisting earthquakes since Istanbul is located on the North Anatolian Fault, though concrete is more fire-resistant.

The stations İTÜ-Ayazağa and Atatürk Oto Sanayi of the M2 line of the Istanbul Metro serve the Maslak business district and its surrounding neighborhoods.

ITU Ayazağa Campus in Maslak

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One of the five campuses of the Istanbul Technical University, the Ayazağa Campus, is located in Maslak.

See also

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References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Maslak is a neighborhood (mahalle) in the district on the European side of , , serving as a major hub for , , and higher education. Known for its cluster of high-rise office towers, commercial complexes, and modern infrastructure, it has transformed from a peripheral area into one of 's key economic centers since the late . The area is home to the main Ayazağa Campus of (İTÜ), one of 's oldest and most prestigious engineering institutions, which contributes to its vibrant academic and innovative environment. The development of Maslak accelerated in the post-1980 era under neoliberal urban policies, evolving along the Büyükdere-Maslak axis into an international business district influenced by global city dynamics. This transformation involved large-scale projects such as Maslak 1453, a mixed-use development featuring residential, retail, and office spaces that exemplify the area's shift toward high-density urban growth. Often dubbed the "Manhattan of Istanbul" due to its skyline of skyscrapers, Maslak attracts multinational corporations, affluent professionals, and investors, while integrating green spaces like nearby forests for a balanced urban landscape. As of 2024, Maslak's population was 13,153 residents, reflecting its role as both a commercial powerhouse and a residential area for upscale housing. The neighborhood benefits from excellent connectivity via metro lines, highways, and proximity to the Bosphorus, making it integral to Istanbul's polycentric urban structure and ongoing economic ambitions, with continued growth through new projects such as the Citadines Maslak Istanbul in 2025.

Geography and Administration

Location and Boundaries

Maslak is a neighborhood (mahalle) in the Sarıyer district on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It lies at approximately 41°06′N 29°01′E. The neighborhood covers an area of approximately 5 square kilometers and is bordered by the districts of to the south and Şişli to the southwest, as well as Sarıyer's adjacent neighborhoods including Ayazağa to the west and Huzur to the north; it sits about 5 km inland from the Bosphorus Strait. Situated on hilly terrain with elevations ranging from 100 to 150 meters, Maslak forms part of the forested northern landscape of Istanbul, where natural woodlands gradually give way to intensive urban development.

Administrative Status

Maslak functions as a mahalle (neighborhood) within the Sarıyer district of Istanbul Province, Turkey, under the broader jurisdiction of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. This administrative alignment was established in 2012 when Maslak, along with the neighboring Ayazağa and Huzur mahalleleri, was transferred from Şişli district to Sarıyer following a legislative proposal accepted by the Turkish Parliament's Interior Commission. Prior to this shift, Maslak had been an administrative exclave of Şişli since 1954, when it was reassigned from Sarıyer amid Istanbul's post-war municipal reorganizations, despite its geographical proximity to Sarıyer and Beşiktaş districts. Local governance in Maslak is managed through the Sarıyer Municipality, which handles district-level services such as urban maintenance and community programs, while the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality oversees city-wide infrastructure and planning. At the neighborhood level, a muhtar—elected as the community head—addresses resident concerns, facilitates local administration, and liaises with higher authorities; the current muhtar is Aslı Nalbant Bütüner. The neighborhood's postal code is 34485, assigned by the Turkish Post and Telegraph Organization (PTT) for mail and logistics purposes. Maslak's integration into Istanbul's urban framework emphasizes its role in the city's development, with zoning primarily designated for commercial, office, and educational uses under Turkey's Zoning Law No. 3194 (İmar Kanunu). This law governs land use through nazım (master) and uygulama (implementation) plans, such as the 1/1000 scale Maslak and Surroundings Application Zoning Plan approved by Sarıyer Municipality, which prioritizes high-density business and institutional development while restricting residential expansion to support its status as a key economic node.

History

Ottoman Period

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Maslak served as a rural expanse on the outskirts of Istanbul, characterized by dense forests and scattered villages that extended toward the Black Sea, providing Ottoman sultans with secluded grounds for hunting expeditions and retreats from the capital's bustle. The area's , including its woodlands and proximity to sources, made it an ideal imperial escape, where sultans could engage in traditional pastimes like falconry and game hunting, reflecting the Ottoman elite's affinity for nature-integrated leisure. The development of Maslak as an imperial site began in the early 19th century under Sultan Mahmud II (r. 1808–1839), who initiated the construction of initial pavilions as hunting lodges and resting places. These structures were significantly expanded in the 1860s by Sultan Abdulaziz (r. 1861–1876), who commissioned the main complex to serve as a summer residence and agricultural estate. In 1868, the pavilions were allocated to Abdulaziz's nephew, the future Sultan Abdul Hamid II (r. 1876–1909), during his time as crown prince; he managed the site's imperial farm and later used it as a personal retreat, including during his ascension to the throne in 1876. Architecturally, the Maslak Pavilions exemplify 19th-century Ottoman residential design, featuring wooden structures with traditional Turkish house plans that blend Baroque-inspired European ornamentation—such as ornate interiors and neoclassical motifs—with classical Ottoman elements like overhanging eaves and latticed windows. The complex comprises key buildings including the Imperial Pavilion (Kasr-ı Hümayun) for the sultan's private quarters, the Mabeyn Pavilion for court receptions, a viewing kiosk (Seyir Köşkü), a Turkish bath, stables, and a conservatory housing exotic plants; these are set within expansive gardens covering approximately 170,000 square meters, planted with diverse species like camellias and tropical flora for aesthetic and functional purposes. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1922, the pavilions gradually fell into disuse as imperial residences, transitioning in the 1930s to alternative functions such as a military sanatorium, marking the end of their role in royal life.

Modern Development

Following the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Maslak retained its predominantly rural character, serving as agricultural land and forested periphery on the northern edges of , with limited urban integration until the 1950s amid the city's broader population influx and expansion. Industrialization began in the 1950s–1960s, followed by the construction of the Emlakbank headquarters in 1976, marking initial commercial interest. The 1960s and 1980s marked the onset of infrastructural and educational growth in Maslak, highlighted by the establishment of 's (İTÜ) Ayazağa Campus in 1970, with construction beginning in 1973, which led to the relocation of key faculties in subsequent decades and catalyzed surrounding development through expanded facilities and research initiatives completed in phases by the 1990s. From the 1990s, Maslak underwent swift commercialization fueled by Turkey's post-1980 economic liberalization and global city aspirations, featuring high-rise constructions along the Büyükdere-Maslak axis starting in the late 1990s to accommodate business and finance sectors; this momentum intensified with its official designation as a technology development zone in 2002 via ITU ARI Teknokent, fostering tech startups and R&D clusters. Notable milestones include the 2009 opening of the Maslak Metro station on the M2 line, improving accessibility and spurring further investment, alongside the 2009 Istanbul Metropolitan Master Plan's provisions for mixed-use zoning in Maslak to balance commercial, residential, and institutional land uses while preserving green corridors.

Demographics

Population Statistics

As of 2024, the official resident population of Maslak was 13,153, according to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). This represents growth from previous years, driven by residential expansion alongside the area's commercial and educational development. The population density in Maslak stands at approximately 2,600 people per square kilometer, which is notably low compared to Istanbul's overall urban standards where densities often exceed 10,000 per square kilometer in central districts. Demographically, the gender distribution shows a near balance, with 50.3% male (6,620) and 49.7% female (6,533). Residential population trends have shown steady growth since 2010.

Socioeconomic Profile

Maslak's socioeconomic profile is defined by its residents, who are predominantly middle-to-upper class professionals attracted to the area's status as a premier business and educational hub. These inhabitants typically enjoy high education levels, with a significant portion holding , aligning with the presence of elite institutions and corporate offices that draw skilled talent. Housing in Maslak emphasizes luxury developments, including high-rise apartments and gated communities designed for affluent families and executives seeking modern amenities and security. The scarcity of affordable housing stems from the neighborhood's commercial orientation, where office towers and retail spaces overshadow low-cost residential options, pushing lower-income groups to peripheral areas. The community reflects cultural diversity through a blend of Turkish locals and expatriates, particularly from Europe and the Middle East, who are lured by professional opportunities in finance, technology, and multinational firms. This expatriate presence enhances the area's international vibe, fostering a cosmopolitan atmosphere amid the predominantly Turkish population. Despite its appeal, Maslak faces socioeconomic challenges, including an elevated cost of living—exemplified by average monthly rents for apartments ranging from 35,000 to 50,000 TRY as of 2025—and persistent that hampers and overall . The daily influx of commuters exacerbates these issues, contributing to urban strain in this high-density zone.

Economy

Business District Role

Maslak has emerged as Istanbul's prominent secondary central business district (CBD), following Levent, along the Büyükdere-Maslak axis, which serves as the city's primary international business corridor for financial, banking, and real estate activities. This transformation, accelerated since the 1990s through urban regeneration and globalization-driven policies, positions Maslak as a key node in Istanbul's economic landscape, fostering services and technology sectors that support the city's global integration. The district's infrastructure underscores its business prominence, featuring numerous high-rise skyscrapers that define its modern skyline. Notable examples include the 42 Maslak complex, comprising towers reaching up to 167 meters in height, alongside structures like the Spine Tower at 202 meters, which accommodate offices, residences, and commercial spaces for a wide array of enterprises. These developments, exceeding dozens in total within the area, host thousands of businesses, contributing to Maslak's role as a dynamic commercial center. Maslak's investment appeal stems from its status as a hub for foreign direct investment, particularly in real estate, bolstered by Turkey's broader incentives for technology development zones. The Istanbul Technical University ARI Teknokent, located in Maslak, benefits from exemptions on corporate and income taxes for R&D, software, and design activities until 2028, attracting tech-oriented investors and enhancing the district's economic vitality. Real estate investments in the area have surged alongside national trends, with foreign inflows into Turkish property exceeding $5.5 billion as of 2023 and continuing to support urban projects in districts like Maslak. In comparison to Levent, which emphasizes traditional finance and corporate headquarters, Maslak adopts a more innovation-centric profile, appealing to tech firms, startups, and creative industries due to its proximity to university campuses and expansive modern developments. This distinction enhances accessibility via major highways like the and TEM, facilitating commuter and logistics flows essential to its business operations.

Key Industries and Companies

Maslak serves as a prominent hub for technology, finance, and consulting sectors within Istanbul's business landscape. The technology sector dominates, particularly through the ITU ARI Teknokent, a technology development zone located on the campus, which hosts over 380 technology companies focused on research and development (R&D) across various innovative fields. This facility supports entrepreneurship and high-tech ventures, contributing to Turkey's competitiveness in global technology markets by fostering R&D projects in areas such as software, AI, and engineering solutions. Finance and consulting also play significant roles, with numerous firms leveraging Maslak's modern infrastructure for operations in investment banking, advisory services, and financial technology. Notable companies in Maslak include multinational corporations with regional offices and headquarters. Dassault Systèmes maintains its Turkish office in the Kat Maslak complex, providing 3D design software and engineering solutions to local industries. Other international players like Ericsson, Cisco, and Ford have established presences in the district, supporting telecommunications, networking, and automotive technologies. Turkish firms, including subsidiaries of major conglomerates such as Koç Holding, operate facilities here, alongside consulting giants like Deloitte, which bases its Istanbul office in Maslak to deliver audit, tax, and advisory services. These entities exemplify Maslak's appeal as a base for both global and domestic business expansion. The district generates substantial employment, with ITU ARI Teknokent alone employing over 8,000 R&D personnel across its companies. Broader economic activity in Maslak's business towers supports tens of thousands of jobs in professional services, with tech roles often commanding competitive salaries; for instance, mid-level software engineers in Istanbul's tech sector earn an average of around 40,000 to 90,000 TRY per month as of 2025, reflecting the area's high demand for skilled talent. Since 2010, Maslak's tech sector has experienced notable growth, driven by investments in innovation hubs like ITU ARI Teknokent, which has completed over 5,800 R&D projects and generated more than 11 billion USD in R&D income. In 2025, the Teknokent's ITU Çekirdek program supported 29 startups in raising $15.7 million in funding during the first half of the year. This expansion has attracted AI and software firms, aligning with Turkey's broader push toward digital transformation and positioning Maslak as a key node for technological advancement.

Education

Universities and Campuses

Maslak serves as a major hub for higher education in Istanbul, hosting campuses of several leading universities that emphasize technical, engineering, and applied disciplines. These institutions attract a large student population, contributing to the area's reputation as an academic and innovation center. The Ayazağa Campus of (ITU), the primary campus located in Maslak, traces its origins to 1773 when it was established as the Imperial School of Naval Engineering by Sultan Mustafa III. Renamed in 1944, the institution relocated its main operations to the Ayazağa Campus in 1970 to accommodate expanding programs in engineering, architecture, sciences, and related fields. Today, the campus supports over 38,000 students through 13 faculties, including advanced facilities such as the Mustafa İnan Central Library, which houses extensive collections for research, and more than 400 specialized laboratories for hands-on learning in areas like aeronautics and materials science. Işık University's Maslak Campus, situated in the heart of Istanbul's business district, was established in 1996 by the Feyziye Schools Foundation to provide contemporary education in technical and professional fields. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs primarily in engineering and natural sciences, business administration, and health sciences across four faculties and a vocational school, serving approximately 6,500 students with a focus on practical skills and industry partnerships. The NeoTech Campus of İstanbul Nişantaşı University in Maslak represents a state-of-the-art facility designed for immersive, application-oriented education, accommodating nearly 25,000 students in programs centered on design, communication, business, and engineering. Established as part of the university founded in 2012, the campus features modern infrastructure including simulation centers and collaborative spaces to enhance practical training and interdisciplinary projects. Together, these campuses host over 50,000 students annually, creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports academic excellence and prepares graduates for professional demands in technology and beyond.

Research and Innovation Centers

ITU ARI Teknokent, located in the Maslak district on the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Ayazağa Campus, serves as a prominent technology park dedicated to fostering research and development (R&D) in academia and industry. Established in 2002, it spans over 1.6 million square meters with 10 buildings housing more than 380 technology companies engaged in innovative projects. The park emphasizes sectors such as biotechnology, information technology, and aerospace, supporting over 5,800 successful R&D initiatives. Key collaborations within ITU ARI Teknokent bridge university research with corporate advancements, notably through partnerships like the 5G Technology Campus developed with and , which focuses on next-generation telecommunications infrastructure and AI integration for network management. These initiatives leverage ITU's expertise to drive practical applications in 5G and artificial intelligence, enhancing Turkey's telecommunications capabilities. Resident companies have generated cumulative R&D exports exceeding 1 billion USD since inception, with annual turnover targets of 1 billion USD as of 2025. The innovation ecosystem at ITU ARI Teknokent includes dedicated incubators such as ITU Çekirdek, which has supported over 5,000 technology startups since 2011, facilitating the incorporation of more than 2,000 ventures through mentorship, funding access, and infrastructure. ITU Çekirdek startups have raised over $325 million in total funding as of 2025. Programs like ITU SEED provide targeted acceleration for early-stage entrepreneurs, while annual events such as the Big Bang Startup Challenge—Turkey's largest entrepreneurship fair—showcase emerging technologies and connect startups with investors, awarding millions in funding each year. ITU ARI Teknokent significantly bolsters Turkey's position in national and global innovation metrics, consistently ranking first among Turkish technoparks in the Technology Development Zones Performance Index since 2011 and contributing to the country's improved standing in the Global Innovation Index, where Turkey rose to 37th place in 2024. This impact stems from its role in generating high-value R&D outputs and nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial environment that aligns with national goals for technological advancement.

Transportation

Road Infrastructure

Maslak's road infrastructure is anchored by the Trans-European Motorway (TEM, designated O-3), a major east-west freeway that traverses the district, connecting Edirne in the west to Ankara in the east and serving as a vital corridor for regional traffic. The O-7 Northern Marmara Motorway intersects with the TEM in the northern periphery of Istanbul, providing a northern bypass that reduces pressure on central routes like those through Maslak by diverting long-distance traffic around the city. This intersection facilitates efficient connectivity for vehicles entering or exiting the business hub, with the O-7 operating as a toll road to manage usage. Büyükdere Avenue functions as the primary local artery in Maslak, running parallel to the TEM and integrating with multiple road interchanges that link to surrounding neighborhoods, commercial areas, and educational institutions. Expansions associated with the Northern Marmara Highway project, including key sections completed in 2020, have enhanced access to Maslak by adding dedicated connectors and improving capacity for inbound and outbound flows. These developments aim to support the district's role as a high-density economic zone while integrating briefly with public transit hubs for multimodal travel. Traffic management in Maslak benefits from Istanbul's broader intelligent transportation initiatives, including the Adaptive Traffic Management System (ATAK) implemented by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality since 2013, which uses real-time data to optimize signals. Toll systems on highways like the O-7 further help control volume and congestion, contributing to overall improvements in flow efficiency across the network. Despite these measures, challenges persist due to high vehicle volumes and frequent incidents that block key routes, with Istanbul ranked as the world's most congested city in 2024.

Public Transit Systems

Maslak is primarily served by the M2 Yenikapı–Hacıosman metro line, with the Sanayi Mahallesi station providing direct access to the district; this underground station, located under Büyükdere Avenue, opened on 31 January 2009 as part of the line's northern extension. The M2 line spans 23.5 kilometers with 16 stations and carries approximately 500,000 passengers daily, offering reliable connections across key areas of Istanbul's European side. From Sanayi Mahallesi, the metro reaches Taksim station in about 10 minutes, facilitating quick commutes to the city center for business and leisure travelers. The Metrobüs bus rapid transit (BRT) system complements metro services, with the Zincirlikuyu stop located roughly 5 kilometers south of Maslak along Barbaros Boulevard; this key interchange point connects to multiple lines running east-west across the city. During peak hours, Metrobüs services operate at high frequency, with buses arriving every 1–2 minutes to accommodate heavy demand from commuters heading toward business districts like Maslak. Additional options include the İsbike public bike-sharing network, which features stations throughout Maslak and nearby areas such as Levent, enabling short last-mile trips integrated with metro and bus routes; as of 2025, the system provides approximately 1,500 bicycles across about 150 citywide stations, with an ongoing renewal introducing electric bikes for sustainable urban mobility. Planned expansions, such as the M2 line's extension toward Sefaköy and ongoing developments for lines like M7, remain under construction as of 2025 and aim to enhance connectivity to Maslak beyond 2026. In the broader Istanbul context, public transport accounts for about 46% of daily trips as of 2020, with targets to increase under the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan.

Landmarks and Culture

Historical Monuments

The Maslak Pavilions, a prominent Ottoman-era complex in the Maslak district of Istanbul, were constructed in the 1860s under Sultan Abdülaziz as a hunting lodge and summer retreat for the imperial family. In 1868, the site was assigned to Prince Abdülhamid, who later became Sultan Abdülhamid II and used it extensively during his reign for rest and leisure activities. The complex, originally part of the Ottoman imperial estates, reflects the era's blend of functionality and seclusion, situated amid forested landscapes along the Black Sea coast. Comprising four main pavilions—Kasr-ı Hümayun (Imperial Pavilion), Mabeyn-i Hümayun (Imperial Divan), Limonluk (Lemon House or Conservatory), and Çadır Köşkü (Tent Pavilion)—along with auxiliary structures, the site spans approximately 170,000 square meters of green space integrated with terraced gardens and pathways. These buildings exemplify late 19th-century Ottoman residential architecture, characterized by wooden construction, overhanging eaves, and spacious verandas that emphasize harmony with nature, while incorporating subtle neoclassical elements such as symmetrical facades and columned balconies influenced by European styles prevalent during the . The pavilions' design prioritizes light and ventilation, with interiors featuring period furnishings, ornate woodwork, and murals that evoke the opulence of imperial life. Following periods of neglect and alternative uses, including as a military sanatorium from 1937 to 1982, the complex underwent comprehensive restoration in 1984 under the Directorate of National Palaces, which furnished it as a museum-home and opened it to the public. Further restoration efforts in 2019 addressed structural preservation and landscape rehabilitation, ensuring the site's authenticity as a managed by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of National Palaces. Today, the pavilions are accessible daily except Mondays, offering visitors guided tours of the restored interiors, gardens, and exhibits on Ottoman daily life, with occasional cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions hosted in the grounds.

Contemporary Attractions

Maslak's contemporary attractions emphasize modern leisure and entertainment, blending shopping, cultural performances, and innovative events within its urban landscape. The Vadistanbul Mall, located in the Ayazağa neighborhood of Maslak, serves as a prominent shopping and leisure hub that opened in 2017 and features over 270 stores offering a mix of international brands, fashion outlets, and dining options. Its expansive design includes an open-air avenue and entertainment facilities, making it a central destination for locals and visitors seeking retail therapy and casual outings. For orlu Performing situated in the neighboring Zincirlikuyu area just minutes from Maslak, stands out as a key venue hosting over 1,100 shows annually and attracting more than 700,000 visitors each year through concerts, theater productions, and music festivals. This state-of-the-art facility underscores Maslak's proximity to high-caliber cultural experiences, drawing global artists and audiences to its multiple stages. Accommodations and dining in Maslak cater to contemporary travelers, with the Hilton Istanbul Maslak offering upscale stays and diverse culinary options at its Zaxi Restaurant, which serves international dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a sophisticated ambiance. Complementing this, the Somerset Maslak Istanbul provides serviced apartments in the Maslak 1453 development, featuring fully equipped units with kitchens and access to amenities like a fitness center and pool, ideal for extended leisure visits. The area's dining extends to international chains, reflecting Maslak's cosmopolitan appeal. Annual events tied to the ITU ARI Teknokent in Maslak further enliven the district, particularly the Big Bang Startup Challenge, Turkey's largest entrepreneurship festival held at UNIQ Istanbul, where technology enthusiasts, investors, and startups converge for competitions, exhibitions, and networking. This event, organized by ITU Çekirdek, highlights innovative tech showcases and has facilitated billions in investments, fostering a dynamic atmosphere for attendees interested in emerging technologies.

References

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