Otağtepe Fatih Grove (Vehbi Koç Cultural Center)

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore Otağtepe is the historical hill where Mehmed the Conqueror, before the siege of Istanbul in 1453, set up his tent (sovereign tent) on the ridge of the Anatolian Fortress and personally supervised the construction of the Bosphorus and the Rumeli Fortress. This strategic elevation overlooking the narrowest point of the Bosphorus was restored in the 1990s with the partnership of TEMA Foundation and Vehbi Koç Foundation; More than 15,000 tree and plant species were planted and brought to the public under the name 'Vehbi Koç Nature Park'. It is one of the most photographed observation decks in the world with its panoramic view overlooking the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features It is located on the Kavacık ridge, at an altitude of 125 meters above sea level, at the top of the hill overlooking the narrowest bend of the Bosphorus. It contains lotus ponds, bonsai, pines and observation gazebos in the botanical garden layout. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees