Breaking News... Governor's Office announces dates: Forest entry ban in Istanbul!

The increased danger of forest fires during the summer months across Istanbul has brought about a new measure. According to the decision taken by the Istanbul Governor's Office, the ban, which will begin on June 8, will remain in effect until October 15. During this period, public access to all forests in the city will not be permitted.

In the statement made by the Governor's Office, one of the purposes of this practice was cited as preventing the risk of forest fires from reaching an even more dangerous level due to the rising temperatures in recent years. Fires that occur during the summer months cause great damage to green spaces and threaten wildlife. For this reason, it was emphasized that banning entry to forests between the relevant dates is an important step toward protecting the environment.

Citizens living in Istanbul are expected to stay away from forest areas throughout the duration of the ban and to strictly comply with the measures taken. The measure is intended to contribute to the prevention of potential fires.

In the statement made by the Istanbul Governor's Office, it was noted: "With the arrival of the summer season, it is observed that human and vehicle density in forest areas is increasing. This density also increases the risk of forest fires.

As the Istanbul Governor's Office, we have taken a series of precautionary decisions to prevent forest fires that may arise due to intentional or negligent behavior.

In this context;

In accordance with Article 74 of the Forest Law No. 6831 and Articles 9 and 66 of the Provincial Administration Law No. 5442, entry into forest areas in Istanbul has been banned between June 8, 2026, and October 15, 2026.

There is no restriction decision for activities such as picnics, sports, walking, etc., in picnic and recreation areas, groves, parks, nature parks, and eco-tourism areas located within the borders of Istanbul province and specified in the list below.

Except for the areas in the list below, it is forbidden to enter all forest areas by vehicle or on foot, to light barbecues, to use gas canisters, to smoke hookahs, or to light fires for various purposes.

Within the scope of Articles 31 and 32 of the Forest Law, the burning of trees, branches, and all kinds of vegetation for reasons such as stubble, vineyard-garden, olive grove, and field cleaning is prohibited in all villages and neighborhoods, especially in villages/neighborhoods located inside, adjacent to, or associated with forests.

Facilities and industrial establishments in the vicinity of forest areas shall take all preventive measures completely against the risk of fire that may arise due to any activity that may affect forest areas.

Organizations related to the construction and maintenance of energy transmission lines (BEDAŞ, AYEDAŞ, TEİAŞ) will carry out necessary maintenance, especially in sections of energy lines passing through forest areas, take all kinds of measures against fire risk, and implement power cuts when necessary.

All our municipalities will create a protection belt around waste collection areas located inside, on the edge of, or adjacent to forests and will keep the necessary heavy equipment (dozers, loaders, excavators) ready against fire risk.

Inspection teams formed by general law enforcement and forest law enforcement under the coordination of our district governorships and the Regional Directorate of Forestry will carry out effective surveillance and inspection activities. When necessary, effective combat against potential fires will be carried out using all public and private sector resources under the order of our district governorships.

Administrative and judicial proceedings will be carried out in accordance with the relevant laws against those who act in violation of the above-mentioned decisions and measures."