Hello everyone, I enjoyed a refreshing walk through the calm streets of Başakşehir. The weather was pleasantly cool, with soft clouds scattered across the sky, creating the perfect atmosphere for a stroll. Unlike the busy heart of Istanbul, Başakşehir feels more like a town designed for families, with wide streets, greenery, and a slower pace of life. Walking here allows me to slow down, breathe deeply, and notice details I often overlook in my daily routine.
When I first moved to Başakşehir, I thought I might get bored. Coming from livelier neighborhoods, it felt too quiet at times. But over the years, I have learned to appreciate its rhythm. Istanbul is a city of contrasts, with over 16 million residents—more than the population of many European countries—and it keeps growing with migration. After spending hours in crowded and chaotic areas for work, coming home to Başakşehir feels like a relief. The silence is not emptiness, but rather a kind of peace that the rest of the city rarely offers.
Of course, there are challenges. Başakşehir is far from central districts, and public transportation can sometimes be tiring. Going to and from the city center requires patience. Yet this small inconvenience is nothing compared to the comfort of living in a place where you can walk without being pushed by crowds, where you can hear birds instead of car horns, and where you can see the sky without tall skyscrapers blocking the view. These are little blessings that become invaluable when you experience the intensity of Istanbul’s urban life every day.
During my walk, I passed by mosques, apartment blocks, and tree-lined streets that gave the district its character. The roads were clean and calm, the kind of environment where children can safely play and families can enjoy simple walks together. Looking at the wide roads and open skies reminded me of how important it is to feel grounded, especially in a megacity like Istanbul. Sometimes peace doesn’t come from escaping to faraway places but from appreciating the quiet corners of the city where you already live.
I know Başakşehir may not be everyone’s ideal neighborhood, but for me, it has become a gift. It balances my busy work life with the tranquility I need at the end of the day. Walking here helps me recharge, and sharing these moments with the Wednesday Walk community makes the experience even more meaningful. Do you also enjoy walks in quieter places, or do you prefer the energy of crowded city streets?