Camilica Hill

Camlica Hill is one of the highest points of the Bosphorus and Istanbul, 267 meters above sea level, located in Anatolian, on the Asian shore, of Istanbul. The hill borders the Uskudar District and offers excellent panoramic views of the city as well as the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus. On clear days you can see all the way to the Princes Islands and the snow-covered slopes of Mount Uludag. At sunset, the domes and minarets of many mosques in Istanbul cast a beautiful silhouette against the colorful sky. Spring is probably the best time of year to climb the hill when wildflowers and tulips bloom and birds migrate here.

The landscape is mostly open, and the slopes of the Camlica Hills were once covered with dense pine forests planted by early settlers and persisted throughout the Roman and Byzantine periods. In fact, this scenic hill got its name because of its many thick pine trees (in Turkish 'Orange' means Pine. Camlica Hill has been used for centuries as a Summer home and hunting ground of the Ottoman king, Murat IV. During the rule of Selmin III, the hill was converted into a space for recreational activities. Bird trainer Ivaz Fakih used the hill to train his bird of prey and his grave is on the top of a grassy mountain.

Today Camlica Hills is open to the public, both locals and tourists visit to enjoy the wonderful views and cool summer breeze. At the top you can find several kiosks offering hot or cold drinks, ice cream and other traditional snacks.