Walking through the streets of Istanbul, I can’t help but wonder how a densely populated city like Istanbul, with around 20 million inhabitants, manages to make space for both large apartments and gardens in each apartment building.

On the other hand, in Finland, the apartments in the capital region, which has a smaller population of around one million, are often just small cubicles nowadays. Not to mention that there would be enough space for gardens in our apartment buildings as well.

However, in the end, it’s not just about space. It’s about values and attitudes – and understanding the positive impact of plants and beauty on health and well-being.

When you look at these gardens of the apartment buildings in Fenerbahçe on the Asian side, you will undoubtedly notice how uplifting and gratifying it would always be to come home to such greenery and beauty.

Moreover, the entire neighborhood becomes pleasant and attractive as a result of these countless small gardens.

During the day, we enjoy the vibrant colors of the flowers and the diverse shapes and shades of the leaves from various plant species. Once darkness falls, the garden transforms into a magical natural landscape when the garden lights are switched on, and the plants and towering trees are illuminated.

Locals often take meditative night walks in the peaceful and tranquil beauty of their garden-filled neighborhood, when the hustle and bustle of the city has finally calmed down.  

Now, let’s embark on a daytime stroll through these streets and enjoy the captivating charm of these gardens through the photos.

Our garden tour concludes with the winter evening’s decorative courtyard, also known as the New Year’s garden. In Finland, this would be referred to as a Christmas garden: