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Kartal

Kartal is a district and municipality of Istanbul Province, Turkey, on the Asian side of Istanbul along the Sea of Marmara.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kartal is a district and municipality of Istanbul Province, Turkey, on the Asian side of Istanbul along the Sea of Marmara. It is a densely populated urban district bordered by Maltepe and Pendik, with a history as a fishing village and later industrial and residential growth.

Geography

Kartal is on Istanbul’s Asian side along the Marmara Sea. It is bordered by Maltepe to the west, Pendik to the east, and inland districts including Sancaktepe and Sultanbeyli.

History

Municipal and local-history sources describe Kartal as an old settlement that began as a small fishing village and later developed as an industrial and residential district. One source states it was designated as an industrial area in 1947.

Demographics

Recent figures vary by source, but the district’s population is reported at 483,418 in 2022 and around 470,676 on the municipal website. These differences likely reflect different reference dates or counting methods.

Urban character

Kartal is now a major urban district of Istanbul rather than a rural settlement. Sources describe it as a densely populated area with coastal frontage and expanding residential development.

Key facts

  • Kartal is one of Istanbul’s districts and municipalities.
  • It is located on the Asian side of Istanbul on the coast of the Sea of Marmara.
  • The district’s area is about 38 km², with a population of 483,418 in 2022.
  • Kartal lies between Maltepe and Pendik and borders Sancaktepe and Sultanbeyli inland.
  • Kartal Municipality says the area began as a small fishermen’s village and was later designated an industrial area in 1947.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kartal?
Kartal is a district and municipality of Istanbul Province, Turkey, located on the Asian side of the city.
Where is Kartal located?
It is on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, between Maltepe and Pendik, with inland borders including Sancaktepe and Sultanbeyli.
What is Kartal’s population?
Sources report different figures, including 483,418 in 2022 and 470,676 on the municipal website.
What is Kartal’s area?
Its area is reported as about 38 km², or 38.54 km² on the municipal website.
What was Kartal historically?
Kartal is described as having begun as a small fishermen’s village before later industrial and residential development.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kartal
    Supports: District status, location on Istanbul’s Asian side, area, population, and neighbouring districts.
  2. Kartal Municipality — https://en.kartal.bel.tr/
    Supports: Municipal description, area, population, and historical note about origins and industrial designation.
  3. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distrito_de_Kartal
    Supports: Geographic location, bordering districts, and district identity in Istanbul Province.
  4. Imtilak — https://www.imtilak.net/en/articles/information-about-kartal-istanbul
    Supports: Brief historical claims about inclusion in Ottoman territories and municipality status.