SİNEKLİ TREN İSTASYONUNDAN DANAMANDIRA TABİAT PARKINA

From the historic Sinekli Train Station to the Danamandıra Nature Park...

It's even more beautiful than it looks in the photos...

We will embark on a delightful hike from the Sinekli train station to the Danamandıra Nature Park. What will we see along the way?

- Sinekli Train Station
- Sinekli Reservoir/Lake/Pond.
- Danamandıra Nature Park and Reservoirs.
- Plenty of forest roads, reeds, water lilies, and migratory birds...

- Sinekli Train Station

Our event will begin at the Sinekli Train Station. The East-Thrace railway line was established in 1870, and construction of the tracks began in 1871. This railway line connected Istanbul to Europe on August 12, 1883, marking the start of train services from Istanbul to Europe in 1883.

Train stations, symbols of both separation and reunion, often evoke these lines in our minds:

He had asked for a cup of tea, while on the train.
We were train passengers, traveling through the desert.
I was left alone, within you...

Haydar Ergülen.

On a train journey, and everywhere.
The unbearable nature of everything, or of nothing at all.
A week of vacation, an afternoon, maybe even just a Monday.
The clocks are good.
It's good if they's laughing, but it's also good if they's not...

"How are you, Mr. Ruhi?" - Edip Cansever.

The Sinekli train station is world-renowned for a particular feature.

The "Sinekli Incident," the first train sabotage in the Ottoman Empire, echoed around the world. It involved a period of eight days during which the "Anastas" bandit gang held people hostage and demanded ransom.

In the latter quarter of the 19th century, banditry was prevalent in many parts of Anatolia and Rumelia, due to various social and economic factors. These activities typically took the form of robbery, often involving highway ambushes or extorting money from villagers. One such group was composed of Greek citizens, and they were referred to as "notorious bandits" in archival documents and newspapers of the period. Anastas.Under his leadership, the group was active. The event that further cemented Anastaş's notoriety was in mid-1891, when he stopped a train traveling from Sirkeci to Berlin, robbing the passengers. In particular, he abducted several German passengers, taking them to the mountains to demand a large ransom.

Led by Captain Anastas, the gang of bandits derailed the train, stealing valuable belongings from the passengers and kidnapping five individuals. The incident, which caused a scandal across Europe, resulted in a ransom of 8700 Ottoman Liras (200,000 Francs) being paid to secure the release of the hostages, and the gang was subsequently apprehended. Anastas and the money he was carrying were never found.

The incident in Sinekli has become a major topic of discussion, both in Istanbul and throughout Europe. The newspapers, keenly interested in the incident, provided daily updates on the events. The Sultan of the time, II. Abdulhamid, and the Ottoman government closely followed the developments related to the Sinekli incident, conducting in-depth investigations to determine if anyone was behind the event. Emperor II. Wilhelm of Germany, pleased with the safe release of the hostages, did not fail to express his gratitude to Sultan II. Abdulhamid and certain government officials.

- Sinekli Village and Reservoir.

After visiting the Sinekli train station in Silivri, we will pass through the village of Sinekli and witness firsthand how the colors and changing vegetation of this natural wonder bring peace to people during the autumn months. Upon reaching the Sinekli reservoir, we will continue towards Danamandıra.

- Danamandıra Nature Park

The number of people wanting to experience the stunning beauty of Danamandira Nature Park, with its pond, reeds, water lilies, and migratory birds, is increasing every day. Within the nature park, there is a wooden pier for those who enjoy fishing. From this pier, it is possible to walk among the reeds and enjoy fishing. Red mullet and sea bream are the most common fish species found in the pond.

The lake is also a stopover point for migratory birds. For those who enjoy picnics and barbecues, there are designated areas within the park where they can build fires for grilling. This natural wonder, which is still relatively unknown, holds great potential for the future. Abant Lake. It is known as a natural wonder. Located amidst oak trees, it's a stunning natural site that you might be surprised to find so close to Istanbul. You can visit it in any season. It's beautiful when it's lush and green, but it's especially lovely in the autumn, and you can't help but be captivated by its beauty.

Since Danamandira is located on a migratory route for birds, if you happen to visit during the migration season, you may have the chance to see flocks of birds in the reeds around the lake.

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It's like a place of peace and tranquility...

Whether happiness was officially declared or not, it seems to have quietly departed, leaving behind a sense of peace.

Breakfast & Shopping.

Detailed information regarding breakfast and shopping will be provided before the event. WhatsApp group. It will be done through [platform/method/system].

Lunch.

Everyone will bring their own food for lunch. It should be easy to carry and consume during the walk. light sandwiches, nuts, snacks, and other similar food items. It is recommended to be considered.

Preparation & Necessary Equipment.

• To be left in the vehicle. Spare shoes and clothing. It is recommended that you have it.
• Hiking boots, whistle, walking stick, and gaiters. It should be provided.
• Depending on the weather conditions. raincoat or poncho. It may be needed.
• This activity is a... outdoor sport. Therefore, using appropriate clothing and equipment is extremely important.
• Will be created the day before the event. WhatsApp group. Updates will be provided through that platform.

Parkour Information & Route.

Our course. Medium to easy difficulty level. This is suitable for those who are new to hiking. However, ... This is not suitable for participants with weight or health problems.

Route: Sinekli Train Station → Danamandıra Nature Park.
Walking distance: 13 kilometers.
Estimated Activity Duration: 5-6 hours.
Course Structure: Forest roads, lakeside areas, and trails.

Event Registration.

• After logging into the website, "Participate in the event" or "Join the event" or "Join us for the event" Press the button.
• If you don't have sufficient credit to participate, please add credit to your account via credit card or bank transfer.
• Once the credit has been applied to your account, you can access the event page again. "Participate in the event" or "Join the event" or "Join us for the event" Click the button to complete your registration.
• Before the event, there was a... WhatsApp group. A group will be created, and all necessary information will be shared through that group.

⚠️ Cancellation & Returns

The deadline for cancellations for this event is Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 23:59.

Due to the cost-sharing arrangement, cancellations made after the specified date and time are not eligible for a refund or credit.

Event Coordinator.

Zeki Karaçavuşoğlu
📱 0532 638 33 18
Communication will only be conducted via WhatsApp.

Activity Difficulty Level:Normal.

• Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required. This hike is suitable for those who are new to hiking.
• Terrain: The elevation changes are minimal, and the trail consists of gently sloping paths and tractor roads. There are occasional sections where you may need to navigate through bushes.
• Trail: Typically, it's a dirt road, but it can also include paths and unpaved roads.
• Distance: Varies between 5 and 15 kilometers.
• Who can participate: Anyone who is new to hiking and does not have any health problems can participate.