Yandex Maps examined educational and social life locations in Istanbul ahead of the start of the 2026-2027 academic year on September 14. The study, based on data from August 10, 2026, assessed more than 3,000 kindergartens and nurseries, approximately 5,800 schools, and more than 2,000 playgrounds. The district comparisons used TÜİK and ADNKS data on the 0-17 age population for 2025; only districts with more than 5,000 children were included in the calculations.
Beşiktaş ranked first in the density of kindergartens and nurseries relative to the child population, with approximately three institutions per 1,000 children in the district. Although Kadıköy led in absolute numbers with approximately 200 general schools, Beşiktaş ranked first relative to the population. Pendik has more than 60 primary schools, while Küçükçekmece has more than 60 high schools; in terms of ratios, Çatalca ranked first for primary schools and Şile for high schools. Başakşehir stood out with approximately 70 private schools, while Beşiktaş led relative to the population.
In extracurricular education, Kadıköy has more than 130 art schools, approximately 80 dance schools, and more than 60 sports schools. Kadıköy ranked first in the density of art and dance schools, Beşiktaş in sports schools, and Silivri in playgrounds.
Why it matters
This study makes differences in opportunities between districts more meaningfully visible by comparing the numbers of schools and institutions relative to the child population, rather than simply listing them. This shows that a district with a high total number of institutions may not be equally advantaged when measured against its child population. The data on art, dance, sports, and playgrounds, which show that educational options are not limited to school hours, also open up a comparison of the diversity of social activities districts offer children. Although the data provide a starting point for families and local decision-making processes, they do not provide information on the capacity, available places, fees, or children’s actual access to these facilities; therefore, the question of how the figures correspond to the quality and usability of the services remains open.
Background
Istanbul is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: in the last 90 days, we have published 9 news reports in which the name appeared; the latest is dated September 12, 2026.