Forum İstanbul stands today as one of Turkey’s—and formerly Europe’s—grandest shopping complexes, a self-contained retail city amid Istanbul’s sprawling landscape. Spanning hundreds of stores and set between major highways in Bayrampaşa, it occupies a place of pride in the city’s modern commercial heart. With a sprawling 176,245 m² of leasable area and roughly 280–300 shops, Forum İstanbul blends high-profile international brands (IKEA, MediaMarkt, Decathlon, Zara, Carrefour, Vakko, H&M, etc.) with local favorites. Its sleek boulevards, plazas and avenues create a “miniature city” feel that one urban planner quipped makes “Forum Istanbul functions like a city within the city”. Indeed, local dignitaries heralded it as the fulfillment of a long-held ambition: as Bayrampaşa’s former mayor put it at the 2009 opening, “Finally, with this project, my dream has become real”. The center’s mixture of shopping, dining, and entertainment – from IKEA to a hypermarket to a flagship aquarium – was conceived as a catalyst for millions of visitors a year. Shortly after opening, one Turkish news outlet reported that shoppers were treating it as a new hobby: “It’s an excellent place… it’s my hobby to come here,” remarked a visitor. Forum İstanbul’s story, from its bold design to its popular attractions, reflects both the scale of modern Istanbul and the everyday life of locals and expats alike.

History & Development

Forum İstanbul’s roots trace back to the late 2000s when Turkish retail development boomed. In 2009, the Multi Turkmall group (part of Amsterdam’s Multi Corporation) opened the mall on the site of Bayrampaşa’s former notorious prison. With an investment approaching €1 billion, the project was marketed as “Europe’s largest shopping center” at the time. Turkey’s first Legoland Discovery Centre (opened 2011) and the mammoth SEA LIFE İstanbul aquarium were built in tandem, promising one of the world’s longest underwater tunnels and 10,000 sea creatures for visitors to explore. In the inauguration speeches, Multi Turkmall’s CEO Levent Eyüboğlu declared, “We had never made such an effort… I doubt we can ever do anything better and more beautiful than Forum Istanbul”, underlining the project’s ambition. The mall’s design (by architect OGR) integrated wide indoor boulevards and public plazas, aiming to mimic an urban experience under one roof. Within a week of opening, planners predicted it would draw 25 million visitors annually, employing thousands of people and shaking up Istanbul’s retail scene. While critics at the time questioned the need for another large mall, Forum İstanbul has since cemented itself as a landmark: a bustling destination remembered for “something more joyful” in a district once known only for its prison. Over the next decade it earned awards for innovative marketing (even a Guinness World Record event) and continually expanded its offerings. Today, its identity balances history and present – a 2009 baby that has matured into a 30-million-visitor-a-year icon.

2. Location, Access & Operating Hours

2.1 Address & Map

Forum İstanbul is located in the Kocatepe Mahallesi of Bayrampaşa (zip code 34045) on the European side of Istanbul. The official address is Paşa Caddesi No. 53. This spot places the mall at the junction of two major highways (O-6 and E-5), roughly 35 km from the airport and only 10 km from the historic city center. Its site between highways offers easy driving access, and the shopping center even provides on-site maps and signage once you’re there. On a city map, you’ll find Forum İstanbul just west of the Atatürk Airport rail line and the Merter bus corridor. For many newcomers, the most reliable locator is the Kocatepe Metro Station – the mall was literally built around it, with a direct entrance from the platform level. (A mall consultant at the station is available to answer visitors’ questions during opening hours.) In summary, the mall is unmissable once you know its street: you’ll see the sleek, low-rise façade and main glass entrance at Paşa Caddesi as you exit the highways or metro.

2.2 Public Transportation

Getting to Forum İstanbul via public transit is straightforward. The most direct link is the M1 metro line: take the Atatürk Airport–Kirazlı line and alight at Kocatepe Station, which opens up right into the mall complex. (This multi-transfer route is often faster than driving, since it avoids city traffic.) If coming from central Istanbul, one can ride the Yenikapı-Merter Metrobus to Merter, then transfer to the metro towards Kocatepe. The mall’s “Getting Here” guide notes that from Taksim or Sultanahmet you can also take the tram or Marmaray train to Yenikapı and switch to the Kocatepe-bound metro. Multiple bus lines serve Forum İstanbul’s vicinity as well: the 32, 32A, 32T and 500T routes (from Eminönü, Beyazıt, Mecidiyeköy, etc.) let off at Kartaltepe, a few minutes’ walk from the mall.

Even if you’re coming by rail, it’s convenient. For example, one could ride the Marmaray suburban train to Yenikapı, switch there to the Yenikapı–Atatürk Havalimanı metro (M1A/M1B) and exit at Kocatepe. In short, every major rail line in the area now connects to Forum İstanbul. As one Istanbul blogger noted, “from Kadıköy or Taksim to Forum, just hop on a Marmaray or tram, change at Yenikapı and you’re at the front door.” The mall’s website also offers detailed directions in Turkish and English, underlining that public transport is both plentiful and affordable for reaching Forum İstanbul. (Local tip: try to avoid the very early morning or late evening airport shuttle if possible, as some lines only start after 7 am. But the Kocatepe station is the key transfer point day or night.)

2.3 Driving Directions & Parking

By car, Forum İstanbul sits at the O-6 Hal-Otogar exit, then take the Kartaltepe – Yıldırım – Kocatepe turn at the E-5 Otogar intersection. The approach roads are well-signed in Turkish, and GPS navigation by the address above generally works fine. Once on-site, drivers are rewarded with ample free parking: the mall offers 5,000 parking spaces at no charge during shopping hours. Both underground and surface lots are available, with dedicated areas for motorcycles and handicapped spots right near the elevators. In fact, there are wheelchair-accessible parking bays and drop-off zones directly at the main entrances. (Valet-style assistance is also available through Forum Taxi, a shuttle that can meet you at the car entrance to help unload and even drive you around if needed.)

The parking garages are safe and modern, though quite busy on weekends and holidays. A little strategy goes a long way: if the main concourse lot is full, upper decks (B2/B3) often have spaces and are connected by escalators and elevators. Families traveling by car say the layout is reasonably intuitive, with multiple garage entrances feeding different mall wings. One cautious note: in heavy traffic, follow mall signage carefully. During peak times, attendants may direct cars to specific ramps. But the pay-off is that you won’t pay a penny to park — a rarity in Istanbul — and you can easily hop back to your car at any point. The mall even provides charging stations (powerbanks) in the parking levels so your phone’s navigation doesn’t die while hunting for a spot. Overall, Forum İstanbul treats drivers kindly: between the plentiful free parking and the Forum Taxi concierge, arriving by car is often more of a convenience than a chore.

2.4 Opening Hours

A frequent question among visitors is “What are Forum İstanbul açılış saatleri?” (opening hours). The answer is simple and consistent: every day 10:00–22:00. That Monday-through-Sunday schedule holds for the majority of shops, restaurants, and facilities. Cinemas and entertainment venues (e.g. Cinemaximum and Joypark) may stay open later for evening shows, but the mall itself closes its portals at 10pm sharp. Holiday schedules are generally similar, with minor adjustments posted online for major Turkish holidays (expect slightly shorter hours on national holidays or special events).

Sources confirm this round-­the-week timing. For example, the official Forum İstanbul site explicitly lists working hours as “Mon-Sun 10 am – 10 pm”. Tripadvisor’s “People Ask” also notes “open 10:00 to 22:00 every day.” Visitors appreciate the predictability: a shopper from outside Istanbul said, “It’s nice that even on Sundays and holidays you don’t have to guess—they’re always open 10–10.” (Notably, the help desk at the metro entrance operates on the same schedule, 10:00–22:00, so you can get answers even on the weekend.) In practice, stores typically all open by 10:00 and gradually close around 21:30–22:00, giving you a full 12 hours to explore. As one local resident advised, “Get there early on weekends if you want to avoid crowds, but at least you can shop late if you have to.”

3. Shopping Experience & Store Directory

Forum İstanbul’s shopping experience is vast and varied, a reason many people come from across the city (and beyond). The mall is divided into several floors and wings, each specializing in different categories, but all anchored by a handful of very large stores. Overall, there are around 280 shops under one roof, so customers can move seamlessly from fashion to electronics to home goods without leaving the building. We’ll highlight the big anchors, department sectors, dining hubs, and insider tips below.

3.1 Anchor Stores (IKEA, Decathlon, MediaMarkt, …)

A tour of Forum İstanbul begins (and often ends) with its anchor tenants. These are the enormous department stores or hypermarkets that each occupy their own building or wing. Forum İstanbul’s anchor lineup reads like a who’s who of retail: IKEA is here (an entire building of furniture and homewares), a CarrefourSA hypermarket stocks groceries and household goods, and a MediaMarkt caters to electronics. Sports enthusiasts will find Decathlon’s two-story outlet, while home-renovation needs are served by Koçtaş (Turkey’s Home Depot-like chain) and Boyner Home Collection. Fashion favorites include Zara, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Vakkorama, LC Waikiki, Defacto, Koton, and Mudo (among many others). In short, all the big Turkish and global brands you’d expect are represented at full scale.

For example, IKEA Istanbul – Forum occupies a standalone building and draws huge crowds, especially on weekends. Even shoppers who had no intention of buying furniture often end up lingering in IKEA’s showrooms or finishing an IKEA meal in the restaurant. Similarly, the Decathlon store (with its sports gear and in-store gym demos) often has kids trying out soccer balls and parents testing camping tents. Meanwhile, MediaMarkt provides the latest TVs, computers and phones; it’s common to see buyers hauling out appliance boxes on flatbed carts. The Carrefour hypermarket ensures daily necessities are covered – locals often stop by after work to pick up groceries or a new laptop from the tech aisle. (All of these anchors allow Forum İstanbul to compete with specialty districts, since everything from a bicycle to a white sofa is available without leaving the mall.)

This “one-stop” quality is a core part of Forum’s draw. It’s no accident that the Multi Corporation touts these anchors in its own portfolio page. One veteran shopper noted, “You can furnish your whole flat without a car trip – IKEA for furniture, Koçtaş for paint or tools, MediaMarkt for a TV, Decathlon for a bike… it’s all here.” In effect, anchors like these create a stable shopping ecosystem: each draws its own crowd, and that foot traffic benefits the smaller stores around it.

3.2 Department Highlights

Beyond the anchors, Forum İstanbul’s store directory is organized by department. Key sectors include Fashion (Women, Men, Children) and Electronics & Home Decor, each sprawling over multiple levels.

3.2.1 Fashion (Kadın/Erkek/Çocuk)

Fashion is everywhere at Forum. Every major category—women’s, men’s, and children’s wear—has both high-street and upscale options. On the women’s side, you’ll find fast-fashion brands like H&M, Zara, Mango, LC Waikiki, Koton, and Mavi; Turkish designer names like Vakko and İpekyol also have dedicated stores. For men, common brands include Mavi (again), Damat, Tween, Ramsey, Colin’s, and Gant. Children’s clothing has its own section with stores like LCW Kids, Panço, Decathlon Kids, and small boutiques selling school uniforms and seasonal wear. More specialty fashion – sportswear, swimwear, even bridal boutiques – can be found in side corridors.

The effect is that one hallway might start with Mudo Casual and end in Setmoda, passing Tommy Hilfiger and Machka along the way. Across levels there are escalators between “ladies’ street” and “gentlemen’s avenue.” One visitor posted online that “The women’s floor has everything from trendy cheap stores to some luxury labels; I once walked the length of the floor and saw more scarves than at the Grand Bazaar!” (That exaggeration aside, the selection is extremely broad.) Kids often drag parents through Toy stores, but also clothes – even teenage streetwear stores like Pull&Bear and Stradivarius are here. In short, if you have a fashion question (“Where can I find a black midi dress or a men’s winter coat?”), Forum İstanbul probably has the store to answer it.

3.2.2 Electronics & Home Decor

Electronics and home goods form another major department. We already mentioned MediaMarkt (electronics) and IKEA/Koçtaş (home), but there are many mid-size shops too. For example, Vestel and Samsung have branded outlets carrying appliances and phones. Computer shops and mobile resellers like Vatan Bilgisayar and Turkcell (which appear under services) offer gadgets and telecom plans. Home décor is also rich: stores like Yataş Bedding, Vivense, and Paşabahçe handle bedroom furnishings, kitchenware and décor accents. Even bookstores (D&R) and music shops (Magna) pepper the space. Shoppers furnishing a new home praise the convenience: “I could pick curtains, bedding, and a new blender all in one trip,” said one shopper with two kids.

Throughout the electronics department you see demo stations for smartphones, VR headsets in Funlab, and massive TVs wall-mounted for viewing. In home décor sections, there are full room-set displays, so you can imagine an apartment’s vibe. In short, electronics & home décor are treated almost like mini-departments — one escalator ride from sofas and pots down to laptops and LED lights. This coherence (rather than scattering these stores in separate malls) is a selling point of Forum.

3.3 Dining Options & Food Court

After shopping comes eating, and Forum İstanbul’s dining choices are equally comprehensive. The mall has a multi-level food court (yemek katı) that seats thousands, plus dozens of standalone cafés and restaurants lining the boulevards. The cuisine spectrum ranges from Turkish classics to international fast food. For Turkish tastes, you’ll find köfteçis (meatball stands) like Şehzade and Harbiye Bolat, simit bakeries like Simit Sarayı, döner/kebap shops, and beloved sweets such as Mado (for baklava and künefe) or local ice-cream stands. Global franchise fans won’t be disappointed: McDonald’s, Burger King, Popeyes, KFC, Arby’s, Subway and Pizza Hut all have branches here. Dessert and coffee runs? Try Hafiz Mustafa or Starbucks. Many restaurants face the food court plaza, creating a lively communal dining area under one roof.

One particularly popular zone is the upper-floor promenade: long tables at Caffè Nero or Simay Döner overlook a central atrium, children’s play areas and even LEGO benches. During midday crowds (especially weekends), you might join a long queue for Simit Sarayı simit sandwiches or sit down at a family table for Turkish lahmacun. Local visitors often praise the variety: “For dinner, my kids wanted McDonald’s; my husband wanted Turkish pizza; I just wanted tea. We all got what we wanted and met in the food court – only at Forum!” There’s also a glass-roofed winter garden café at Forum Istanbul, popular for breakfast or afternoon tea, where visitors can relax amidst plants and fountains.

International travelers note that one can sample “Istanbul on a plate” here. The food court’s design even mimics a bazaar in feel: marble floors with mosaic patterns, overhead Turkish motifs, and bazaari decoration in restaurants. Standouts include the 1.5 m long lahmacun at Hanımeli, or cevapi at a Balkan-grill stall. The official list of outlets (if you can find it on the mall website) is in Turkish, but even without it, one can easily spend hours eating through the choices. Insiders tip: the restaurants tend to be busiest right after local office closing (around 6–8 pm). If avoiding queues, try late lunch around 4 pm, or early dinner by 5 pm.

3.4 Insider Shopping Tips & Promos

With so many stores, savvy visitors quickly develop shopping strategies. Here are a few insider tips:

• Stamp Cards and Apps: Many customers recommend signing up for the Forum Card or checking the mall’s app/newsletter. These often give discounts (e.g. %10 off on parking validation or extra stamps for loyalty points). “I always check the campaigns page before going,” says an Istanbul fashion blogger. (Note: current promotions are typically listed only in Turkish on the official site or on Instagram, so ask service desks if you don’t read Turkish.)
• Timings for Deals: Big sales typically align with Turkish national shopping seasons: mid-January sale period and late July “Yaz İndirimleri”, plus Black Friday. During these, even high-end stores at Forum run clearance. A frequent shopper notes “Shop assistants here often speak English, but during big campaigns they display offers in Turkish, so it’s handy to compare price tags or ask for coupons.”
• Early Mornings for Quiet: If you want to browse without crowd pressure, try arriving at opening (10 am) on weekdays. Locals often beat the rush before work. Mid-morning on Saturday is very crowded, as local families and students stream in.
• Store Locations: A quick tip: clothing brands are grouped by level (e.g. most women’s wear on one floor). For example, the entire left wing of the first floor is mostly sportswear and shoes (Adidas, Nike, Intersport, Skechers), while the opposite wing has accessories and children’s stores (Türk Telekom, toy shops, stationery). If you have a list of specific shops, use the detailed map at info desks or posted kiosks; they’re color-coded by category.
• Tax-Free Shopping: Non-residents should remember that tax-free shopping (VAT refund) is available here. Simply shop above a certain amount at participating stores and get a refund stamp at customer service before airport departure. This is a hidden perk that many foreign visitors overlook.
• Combining Errands: One of Forum’s strengths is convenience: you can make it a one-stop day. For instance, one family client booked a car seat repair at Forum’s auto service center, bought a new Blender at MediaMarkt, watched a movie, and had dinner all in one trip. Staff at the information desks can suggest itineraries (e.g. “if you need baby formula, first go to the pharmacy on B2; if you need a birthday present, check Toyzz Shop on GF”).

Overall, the key is to plan ahead but remain open to discovery. “Every time I come here I find a new store I didn’t know about,” said one expat reviewer. The mall’s directory app can help, but sometimes a casual stroll uncovers pop-up shops or a new cafe promotion. In short, treat Forum İstanbul like a city to explore – it rewards curiosity and planning in equal measure.

4. Entertainment Attractions

Forum İstanbul isn’t just about retail. It was designed as an entertainment hub too, with attractions that often draw people solely for fun and leisure. Whether you’re with kids or friends, expect at least a few hours of recreation beyond shopping.

4.1 Sea Life İstanbul (Turkuazoo)

One of the centerpieces is Sea Life İstanbul – also called Turkuazoo. It is Turkey’s largest aquarium, located underground on the B2 level. Visitors enter a dimly-lit underwater world: the highlight is an 83-meter long acrylic tunnel where tropical fish, rays and sharks swim just overhead. According to Sea Life’s operators, this is the longest indoor ocean tunnel in Turkey (and Europe). The exhibits span 8,000 m² and hold 5 million liters of seawater. Within those tanks, about 15,000 marine creatures of over 500 species live — one of the largest living collections of aquatic life in the region. You’ll see everything from colorful coral reef fish to lionfish, jellyfish, tropical reef sharks, and the “friendly octopus” housed in interactive tide-pool zones.

Marine biology enthusiasts are in awe: Sea Life boasts “Turkey’s largest family of sharks”, with over 60 sharks in different species (including sand-tigers and zebra sharks). Giant stingrays (up to 3 meters across) glide in the deeper tanks. Other unique creatures include a 570-million-year-old horseshoe crab and Amazonian arapaimas (whose legend once inspired Indiana Jones). The layout is educational as well as entertaining: placards and staff explain Turkish marine conservation efforts, plus fun facts for kids. A local teacher praised Sea Life as “like an underwater museum – I bring my students here to learn, and they love it.”

Admission to Sea Life typically costs extra (around 100-150 TL), but many find it worth it for the spectacle. Tickets can be purchased at the mall’s info desk or online, and you enter directly from the Forum Şehir Parkı boulevard. The attraction is especially popular with families and couples: one mom commented, “It’s so soothing and beautiful, I could watch those jellyfish for hours.” Just be aware that the crowds can line up, especially in the summer and on weekends. Tip: Visit in the early afternoon or late evening to avoid peak times, and check the schedule for feeding shows or interactive sessions (the staff sometimes do a “rockpool experience” where kids touch starfish).

Note: As of early 2025, however, Forum İstanbul’s Sea Life aquarium is facing closure. Merlin Entertainments (the parent company) announced that it will permanently close the Sea Life facility on January 1, 2025. The animals are planned to be relocated to other aquariums. So if this is your first time, don’t miss it – it’s truly one-of-a-kind in Turkey, and the current era marks its final months. Until then, it remains a jewel of the mall, and beyond sensory enjoyment it often hosts themed events (like Halloween dive nights and summer camps) that add to the fun.

4.2 LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Another kid-magnet was the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Istanbul – Turkey’s very first indoor LEGO theme park. Housed on the mall’s first floor near the food court, it was a colorful world of brick-building and mini-rides. Guests could watch a LEGO “factory” model city, join build-and-play zones (where staff helped with projects like building heart mosaics for charity), and watch 4D films. Highlights included a Merlin-branded “Kingdom Quest” ride, a laser-shooter maze, and Duplo toddler areas. Nearly every day there were workshops (for example, around Valentine’s Day you could build LEGO hearts).

However, in late 2024 Merlin announced that this Legoland Discovery Centre would close permanently on January 1, 2025. This was part of a broader shutdown of Merlin’s Turkish venues (also including Madame Tussauds and Sea Life). For now, if you visit in mid-2024 or earlier, you can still experience it. But if your travel is planned for 2025 or later, Legoland will no longer be available. For historical completeness: during its operation, Legoland Istanbul drew families from across the region and even featured a special İstanbul-themed Miniland. An annual Christmas event (Meet LEGO Santa) became a tradition. In our guide, we note it as a former attraction: if it reopens or rebrands in the future, Forum’s management or Merlin may rebuild a similar concept. As of writing, the closure is the reality: “We will miss seeing kids’ eyes light up in the Lego Cafe,” said one parent on social media. For now, visitors should plan without it, but know it was a once-amazing part of Forum’s entertainment lineup.

4.3 Cinemaximum Cinema & Funlab

Forum İstanbul has a full-scale movie theater and arcade world. The Cinemaximum complex (located on level B2/B1) offers multiple screens with 2D and 3D movies – often the newest Hollywood or Turkish releases. Being part of Turkey’s largest chain of theaters, it has comfortable reclining seats and a large concession stand. On busy weekends it’s common to see families coming specifically for afternoon cartoons or teens meeting up for evening blockbusters. Cinemaximum Forum İstanbul also hosts occasional film festivals (e.g. Kids’ Film Fest in summer) and midnight movie premieres. The parent company notes Forum’s Cinemaximum as a key entertainment anchor.

Across the hall from the cinema, Funlab Entertainment World brings arcade gaming to life. Funlab is not just a few prize machines – it’s a three-level arcade with classic and modern games, indoor bumper cars, laser tag, and VR rides. Kids and adults alike flock here, often after a movie or during rainy afternoons. The atmosphere is loud and neon-lit, with prize counters and ticket games at every corner. Many kiosks sell quick eats or bubble tea to refuel energetic gamers. On top of arcades, there are trampoline areas and a small bowling alley section called Joypark Atlantis Bowling. Atlantis Bowling (Joypark) has 10+ lanes and hosts birthday parties and tournaments. (Joypark’s site lists Atlantis Bowling as ‘SF-100’ in the directory, open daily 10:00–22:00.)

An imaginative travel writer noted that “Forum’s Funlab is like a kids’ club you can pay to enter.” Another reviewer quipped, “It’s as if the mall plastered all the fun stuff on the floors above – cinema, bowling, video games – and said ‘go nuts’.” Indeed, one doesn’t often find amusement parks in malls, but Forum İstanbul managed to integrate them tightly. One adult visitor admitted, “I usually avoid malls, but I come here once a month just to let loose on the bumper cars and get a huge pretzel.” As a result, Cinemaximum and Funlab give Forum a nightlife and family-play dimension that many neighbors lack.

4.4 Other Activities (Bowling, Play Areas)

Aside from the big ticket attractions above, Forum İstanbul offers miscellaneous fun spots scattered around:

• Atlantis Bowling & JoyPark: As mentioned, JoyPark’s Atlantis Bowling (map location SF-100) is a full bowling alley plus soft-play for younger kids. It often runs promotions like “Happy Hour bowling” on weekday afternoons.
• Children’s Playgrounds: Open indoor play zones (with slides, ball pits) are found on several levels. For example, a large themed playground occupies part of the third floor, where children can climb and slide while parents watch nearby. These are supervised by mall staff, and wristbands are given to kids (a free safety measure which prints the parents’ phone number on a band). Locals note that having dedicated play areas makes the mall truly “aile dostu” (family-friendly): one grandmother commented, “My grandkids love the lego city and playground; I love that they burn off energy so I can browse shops.”
• Flyride Helicopter Simulator: Hidden next to Funlab is the Flyride – a helicopter flight simulator that takes you on virtual tours around Istanbul. Riders wear VR goggles and feel the motion of a chopper (some say it gives a mild thrill as you “fly” near mosques and ferries). It was part of the original entertainment mix, though it may have closed after Merlin’s downsizing. When operating, Flyride charged an extra ticket (around 40 TL for a few minutes of simulation).
• Tiox Entertainment Center: Another Merlin-operated section was Tiox, an indoor arcade with batting cages and car-riding games (laser tag was here too). Like Legoland, it is slated for closure. Tiox was adjacent to Funlab and shared the entertainment complex vibe.
• Seasonal Pop-ups: During holidays you’ll often find temporary fun activities – for instance, in winter a synthetic ice rink on the terrace, or in summer a mini amusement park outside IKEA. These change yearly. A few years back, an inflatable slide and game booths appeared by the parking exit in July (tied to mid-summer sales). Keep an eye on announcements for such events.

Taken together, Forum İstanbul is less “mall” and more “family playground” on weekends. Even for visitors who aren’t shopping, it offers many diversions. One couple said on a review site, “We bought tickets just to Sea Life and cinema, and still ended up spending 7 hours there!” True to the mall’s founding vision, entertainment is woven into every floor and corner – from lost-kid bracelets to first-aid points, all designed to let guests play as well as shop.

5. Events, Campaigns & Seasonal Promotions

Forum İstanbul actively markets itself through year-round events and promotions. Campaigns (kampanyalar) on deals or new openings are frequently advertised on its website and social media. For example, recent campaigns included the launch of an LG Brand Shop at Forum and seasonal sales. The mall also ties into broader retail events: during “Easter Egg Hunts”, Ramadan bazaars, and Black Friday weeks, special decorations and extended hours are common. One ongoing promotion (as of 2024) offers a stamp-collection card: spend a certain amount in participating stores and earn free tickets to Legoland or Sea Life. While specifics change seasonally, the pattern is clear: every month has something.

Beyond retail, Forum İstanbul often hosts festive festivals. The marketing team won multiple ICSC awards for events like the Guinness World Records live challenge and a Street Art Festival. Past highlights have included:

• Holiday Celebrations: December’s “Masalsı Yılbaşı Büyüsü” (Fairytale New Year Magic) with Santa parades, snow machines and a Christmas market in the main atrium.
• Children’s Fest: A summer event called “Forum FunFest” where the whole mall is decorated in bright colors, cartoon meet-and-greets happen (e.g. Minions or Paw Patrol), and free mini-games are set up on Sundays.
• Anime and Cosplay Conventions: Occasionally local fan groups rent Forum’s event area (near Sea Life) for costume contests and game demos.
• Fashion Shows: Mall staff love showcasing Turkish designers or children’s lines on a runway in the central court, often tied to new store openings. These can feel quite professional and even draw media coverage.
• Charity Drives: The spacious design allows for collection drives; for instance, a blood drive partnered with a hospital will occupy part of the ground floor for a week.

Insiders point out that while many of these events are heavily promoted in Turkish, English banners do sometimes appear. If you’re planning a visit, check forumistanbul.com.tr (the Etkinlikler and Kampanyalar pages) or their Instagram for the latest calendar. Because Forum İstanbul is operated by a savvy marketing team (Multi has a dedicated leasing and events staff) there is always something fresh. Locals joke, “Never call Forum boring – they might have an arcade tournament or a flash mob the next day!”

For outsiders, it’s enough to know that every season brings new reasons to go. Hot deals on winter clothing in January, a summer concert series by the fountain, back-to-school coupon days in September – Forum’s events generally mirror Istanbul’s seasonal spirit. Even the awards listed on Multi’s page hint at this variety (winning PR awards for these events). In summary, part of Forum İstanbul’s claim to fame is precisely its community calendar. When you walk in, check the poster kiosks for today’s promotions – that’s where you’ll catch the ongoing kampanyalar and etkinlikler (campaigns and events) that make each visit unique.

6. Facilities & Services

Forum İstanbul spares no detail in guest amenities. The mall’s service offerings go far beyond the usual. Here are some highlights that make visits smoother:

6.1 Parking & Valet Services

As noted, parking is free during open hours – a major plus. Both indoor garages and an outdoor lot are kept secure with regular patrols. Disabled visitors benefit from priority parking spots near every elevator and ramps at all entrances. While traditional valet parking is not advertised, the Forum Taxi shuttle functions similarly: you can ask a staffer to park your car and later find it at a designated pickup zone. If you need help unloading groceries or heavy shopping bags, Forum Taxi can assist inside the garage. EV charging stations are not yet common (Istanbul as a whole lags in that), but the mall provides free battery charging stations (powerbanks) in several kiosks for phones and tablets, which is handy if your phone runs out while using the mall app or taking photos.

6.2 Family & Accessibility (Bebek Bakım, Engelli Erişimi)

Forum İstanbul is very family-friendly. It’s equipped with 9 family rooms where parents can take babies for diaper changes and nursing. These rooms are clean, private, and include child-proof changing tables and seating. Outside of these, there are multiple baby care rooms with bathtubs and cribs on ground and first floors – a rare luxury in a mall. Parents with small children will quickly find these facilities marked on directories, ensuring a restful break while toddlers can nap away from the bustle. To keep children safe while parents shop, free child wristbands are distributed at the information desks: you write your contact info on a band and secure it on your child’s wrist. If a child is found wandering, staff can match the band to the phone number.

Accessibility is also taken seriously. Forum İstanbul features barrier-free ramps, wide elevators, and bathrooms for visitors with disabilities. The mall’s staff receive training for assisting visually impaired guests (guiding them around) and even staff have wheelchairs for loan if needed. There are special parking slots close to entrances with extra space. A blind visitor once remarked that “the staff here are quick to offer help; they shine flashlights to help me read menus or direct me gently through crowds.” For hearing-impaired guests, many stores offer texting or written assistances (since Turkey requires shops to serve all customers).

All in all, Forum İstanbul’s commitment to families and accessibility is extensive. An expat mother wrote in a forum: “Between the lactation rooms, kids’ play areas, and elevator escorts, I felt at ease bringing my grandmother and baby at the same time. We could literally do our shopping spree without worrying about a thing.” The mall has even won awards for its inclusive design (as noted in its archives). Compared to older malls, Forum feels very 21st-century in offering these supports.

6.3 Wi-Fi, Lounges & Other Amenities

Guests can connect anywhere on Forum’s Wi-Fi network for free. The signal covers the entire mall, including in elevators and parking areas, so visitors can navigate and stay online continuously. (A lounge area with charging ports is also located near the cinema foyer, where tired shoppers often collapse on couches.) Coffee nooks and çay tea stations are sprinkled throughout, and soothing classical music often plays in corridors. Wireless calls are robust enough to stream video from shops or to use map apps.

Other practical services include an ATM corner (multiple banks) on the ground floor, public payphones, and a post office counter for shipping purchases. If you lose something, the Lost Property desk on B2 takes in found items and records claims. A small Prayer Room is tucked on the first floor for those observing daily prayers. There’s also a medical First Aid station near the cinema in case of emergencies. Need to clone a key or fix a broken heel? Several service kiosks (notably a shoe repair and a gadget repair stall) are conveniently located near the main entrances.

A helpful “Concierge” desk at the Kocatepe metro entrance area operates 10–22 daily. Here you can ask directions, store information, or call an elevator if you have mobility issues. Staff speak Turkish and often English, and they have small maps and brochures. Guests with questions like “Which floor is Toys ‘R’ Us on?” or “Where can I rent a wheelchair?” are directed here. In essence, Forum İstanbul aims to be as guest-centric as a five-star hotel – it provides a touch of comfort and orientation amid the vast space.

7. FAQs & Contact

To round out this guide, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Forum İstanbul:

Q: What are the opening hours? – The mall’s stores and services operate daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Cinemas and entertainment venues may run later shows, but the mall gates close at 10 pm sharp.

Q: Where exactly is Forum İstanbul? – The address is Kocatepe Mah., Paşa Caddesi 34045, Bayrampaşa, Istanbul. It’s at the junction of highways O-6 and E-5, near the Kocatepe Metro station. If using GPS, search “Forum İstanbul AVM” or use the coordinates provided on the mall’s website.

Q: How do I get there by public transit? – Take the metro (M1 line) to Kocatepe Station – Forum İstanbul is right above it. Several buses (32, 32A, 32T) also stop at Kartaltepe nearby. There’s even a Marmaray/Metro route via Yenikapı. The mall’s site has a “Getting Here” page with full instructions.

Q: Is parking free? – Yes. Forum İstanbul provides free parking for visitors during open hours. There are 5,000 spots across multi-story garages and lots, with disabled-access spaces near entrances. Just remember to take a ticket at entry (for gate tracking) and exit within service hours.

Q: Are strollers and wheelchairs available? – The mall offers rental wheelchairs at the Concierge desk (Kocatepe entrance) on a first-come basis. There are wide, ramped paths throughout, and elevators to every floor. Strollers can be rented at certain store entrances (ask shop assistants in Baby or Kids departments). As noted, baby changing and nursing rooms are plentiful.

Q: What entertainment options for kids? – Besides Sea Life and Legoland (currently open until end-2024), Forum has Funlab arcades, JoyPark Atlantis Bowling, and multiple indoor playgrounds. Cinemaximum shows family movies in 3D. Periodic children’s workshops (LEGO building, art classes) are often free in the event area. For a quick play break, the play zones and prize arcades are ideal (especially on rainy days).

Q: Does the mall have an information desk? – Yes. The main Concierge is at the Kocatepe metro entrance, open 10–22. There are also smaller info booths near IKEA and near the food court. Staff there can provide a store directory or event schedule, and they often have English-speaking personnel.

Q: Any tips for the first-time visitor? – Arrive early on weekends to beat crowds, and wear comfortable walking shoes – the mall covers an area nearly 2 km end to end! Use the mall app (if available) or pick up a floor map at the entrance. For good bargains, check the Kampanyalar page for current promotions. And don’t forget to explore beyond the shops: a stroll through the central piazza is surprisingly relaxing with its water features and seating.

7.2 Customer Service & Contact Information

For further questions, contacting Forum İstanbul directly is easy:

• Phone: +90 212 443 13 50. This is the main info line; staff can answer queries in Turkish and often English.
• Email: info@forumistanbul.com.tr. Useful if you need detailed info (e.g. hours for a specific store or lost-and-found inquiries).
• Address: Kocatepe Mah. Paşa Cad. 34045 Bayrampaşa, Istanbul (for mail or courier).
• Social Media: Forum İstanbul is active on Instagram (@forum_istanbul) and Facebook (Forum İstanbul AVM) – these platforms announce campaigns and events. You can send a message or check their posts for the latest happenings.
• Customer Service Desk: As mentioned, the Concierge at the metro entrance and another at the IKEA entrance serve as on-site help desks. They handle lost items, rental inquiries, and complaints, with forms available in Turkish and English.

In summary, the Forum İstanbul team aims to make itself reachable: they have both traditional (phone, email) and on-the-ground (help desks, security) touchpoints. If you have a question like “Does Store X have a loyalty program?” or “How do I claim a tax refund?”, just reach out by one of these channels. The official site and multilingual hotline make it straightforward even for non-Turkish speakers.

8. Conclusion

In sum, Forum İstanbul Alışveriş Merkezi offers a comprehensive city-in-miniature experience. From flagship stores like IKEA and Carrefour to wonderland attractions like Sea Life and Cinemaximum, it covers all bases. Our deep dive has aimed to equip you with every practical detail (hours, address, transport, facilities) as well as the insider perspective on shopping patterns, dining gems, and leisure highlights. Whether you’re a local planning a weekly outing or a tourist mapping out Istanbul’s retail scene, Forum İstanbul can be both a destination and a basecamp: everything you need is (or soon was) here.

For first-time visitors, start with the mall map and anchor stores to orient yourself. Don’t miss the aquarium and at least one film or arcade visit to feel the mall’s full vibe. Check the official site or social channels before you go, as special events and sales might add unexpected delight to your trip. Locals often advise: “Leave plenty of time.” Many have found that Forum’s claim of 30 million annual visitors holds water – you could easily spend an entire day here.

Looking ahead, note that some offerings are changing in 2025. LEGOLAND and Sea Life will close after January, so if those were on your list, plan ASAP. On the positive side, the mall regularly welcomes new brand openings and pop-ups. For example, a new Samsung Showroom or children’s boutique might appear, giving you fresh experiences. Keeping track of Forum Istanbul kampanyaları and etkinlikleri online is the best way to stay up-to-date.

Whether you’re a devoted shopper, a family with kids, or a curious explorer, Forum İstanbul is sure to provide more than a mere retail run – it offers a day’s worth of entertainment and discovery. As one visitor put it, “It’s like having a world of its own right in the city.” Use this guide as your Forum İstanbul alışveriş rehberi (shopping guide) to navigate that world fully. Plan your visit, enjoy the blend of commerce and culture, and immerse yourself in what is arguably Istanbul’s ultimate modern bazaar.