If you seek to escape from the chaotic city life of Istanbul, daily tours are just perfect for you. With its natural and untouched beauty, Sapanca Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Turkey. The Maşukiye is also a famous region for its peaceful nature and local river.

Sapanca Lake & Maşukiye Daily tours would be a great choice to unwind yourself. By breathing the freshness of the country air, beside the beautiful scenery, you will free your soul completely. With Istanbul Tourist Pass you can live this special experience budget-friendly. As we know that you won’t regret this amazing experience, here is another daily tour you may be interested: Bursa Day Trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of the metropol.

History of Sapanca

Sapanca, a charming district of Sakarya, is located on the western border of the city. Today, Sapanca, a quiet and hidden paradise, attracts attention as one of the most beautiful places to visit near Istanbul. Sapanca actually has a long and rich history. The first mention of Sapanca in history dates back to 1200 BCE. According to the first written documents found at that time, the Phrygians came to the region. The transformation of this city into a settlement dates back to the Kingdom of Britain in 378 CE. Those who were in the region in 391, under the influence of the Greeks in the north, refer to this place as Siphonensis Lacus in sources. During the Byzantine rule in the region, Sapanca was called Buanes, Sofhan, and Softang. The Turkification of Sapanca began in 1075 when the Anatolian Seljuk State came here and gave the region the names Ayan and Ayanköy. However, during the Crusades, the region was passed back to the Byzantines.

In 1640, Evliya Çelebi, a famous Ottoman Turkish traveler, wrote in the notes he took while passing through the town, that this place was originally named Sabancı Koca. It was named after the old man who cleared the forest and bushes, and this village was turned into a town during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. For this reason, it is thought that the name of the Sabancı Koca settlement changed into Sapanca with the ease of saying it over time.

Sapanca Lake

Sapanca Lake, located within the borders of Sakarya in the Marmara Region, was once a part of the Marmara Sea. However, over time, it was separated from the sea and became a freshwater lake on its own. Formerly known as Ayan Lake, it was formed by the effect of the underlying fault line.

The lake, which is 16 kilometers long, spreads over an area of ​​42 square kilometers. Although the deepest point of Sapanca Lake is 61 meters, its average depth is around 30 meters. The lake’s water temperature rises in winter and spring, while it decreases in summer. The height difference of the water also changes from season to season. The difference, which is sometimes 80 centimeters, can sometimes go up to 150 centimeters.

It is mostly fed from the springs of Samanlı Mountain located in the south of the lake. The most important of these sources are as follows; Derbent Stream, Eşme Stream, Aygır Stream, Maden Stream, Keçi Stream, Arifiye Stream, Istanbul Stream, and Yanık Stream. When the lake exceeds its volume, the excess water is poured into the Sakarya River, located on the eastern side.

Around 80 bird species live in Sapanca Lake, some of which are endemic to the region. They are frequented by local and foreign tourists throughout the year for bird-watching.

The most important bird species that accept Sapanca Lake as a natural habitat are apple-head Patka and Hungarian duck. In addition, the Cuckoo is the most common bird species to be found in the lake. There are also several fish breeds living in the lake. The most common fish species in the lake are carp, pike, and catfish.

About Maşukiye

Located in the east of Kocaeli, on the southwest coast of Sapanca Lake, on the outskirts of Kartepe, Maşukiye is one of Turkey's most popular villages. It has two neighborhoods, namely Soğuksu and Çınarlı. It is the right address for those seeking peace with its forests, streams, waterfalls, and orchards. Since it is located at the intersection of the Black Sea climate and the Mediterranean climate, it has been affected by both climates and a unique nature has emerged.

The name Maşukiye comes from the word "maşuk". The word maşuk also means “in love”. For years, it has been a place preferred by newlyweds from the surrounding cities for their honeymoon. Locals say that those who come to Maşukiye will fall in love and say that the village is the village of lovers.

Maşukiye Village was established in the 1860s. After the Caucasian-Russian Wars, the Circassian tribes living in and around today's Sochi came and settled in today's Maşukiye village in order to establish close relations with the Ottoman Palace. Among the Circassians who came, Murat Bey is known as the founder of the village. During the 93 War, a group called Mahde from Batumi came and settled in the village. Later, over time, migrations from the Black Sea and Romania formed the present population of the area. In addition, the first female mayor and the first female officer of the republican period came from Maşukiye.

The pleasure of experiencing every season in Maşukiye is different. The scenery in this village between Kartepe and Sapanca Lake is beautiful in every season and a must-experience in Turkey.

The Sapanca Lake and Masukiye tour is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Istanbul. With the İstanbul Tourist Pass®, visitors can now enjoy this experience for free. The tour takes you on a journey through picturesque scenery, including the stunning Sapanca Lake, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The tour also includes a visit to Masukiye, a charming village surrounded by lush green forests and waterfalls. During the Sapanca and Masukiye tour, visitors can enjoy a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. The tour provides an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Turkey, learn about the local culture, and sample delicious local cuisine. This Sapanca Lake tour from Istanbul is an excellent way to spend a day and is highly recommended for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Turkey.