Big Grocery Store Village Road (Buyukbakkalkoy Yolu) Spring, Buyukbakkalkoy / Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey

## Overview The Başıbüyük Tatlı Su Toplama Bendi is a freshwater collection pond located along Büyükbakkalköy Yolu (Big Grocery Store Village Road) in the Başıbüyük neighborhood of Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey. Situated roughly 26 kilometers east of central Istanbul, this public water feature serves as a scenic gathering point within the surrounding urban landscape. The pond is a sizable body of water set in the middle of a local market area, and while the water is **not considered suitable for drinking purposes**, the site offers a pleasant spot to pause and take in the scenery. A small park surrounds the pond, providing benches and green space for visitors. The spring-fed pond is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The corrected GPS coordinates for the pond are **40.94697, 29.14873**, and the full address is: **Başıbüyük Tatlı Su Toplama Bendi, Başıbüyük, 34854 Maltepe/İstanbul, Turkey**. ## Directions 1. From central Istanbul, head east and enter the **Avrasya Tüneli** (Eurasia Tunnel) to cross to the Asian side of the city. 2. After exiting the tunnel, continue along the main road that runs parallel to the metro/subway line. 3. Pass the **Küçükyalı** metro station and keep driving east. 4. At the **Honda Plaza Mutluhan** dealership, take the winding turn to switch onto **Büyükbakkalköy Yolu** (Big Grocery Store Village Road). 5. Continue a short distance — the Başıbüyük Tatlı Su Toplama Bendi pond will appear on your **left**. *Note: The drive from central Istanbul is approximately 26 km and passes through dense urban areas, so navigation via GPS is recommended to avoid missing the turn at Honda Plaza Mutluhan.* ## What to Expect Visitors will find a moderately sized freshwater pond surrounded by a small urban park. The pond acts as a natural water collection basin ("tatlı su toplama bendi" translates to "freshwater collection dam"), and the water is **not intended for drinking**. The setting is urban rather than rural — you are still within the sprawling city of Istanbul, so don't expect a secluded wilderness experience. The surrounding park area offers a place to sit and enjoy the view of the water, though amenities are modest. The site is most appealing as a quick stop or a brief respite during a drive through the Maltepe district. Because it is open around the clock, it can be visited at any time, though daytime visits offer the best views and the most comfortable experience. The area around Büyükbakkalköy Yolu is a developing part of Istanbul's Asian side, so expect typical city surroundings — traffic, nearby shops, and residential buildings. Parking is generally available along the road near the pond.