
Istanbul Aquarium is Turkey's national aquarium, located in the Bakırköy district of Istanbul. The facility is home to 1,500 different species encompassing 17,000 land and sea animals, displayed across 17 themed geographic zones that transport visitors through ecosystems from the Amazon Rainforest to the open ocean. Notable residents include lemon sharks, rare venomous stonefish, rays, and Turkey's first gentoo penguins, while whale skeletons and an interactive submarine explorer VR experience add to the variety on offer. Feeding demonstrations, photography sessions, and educational programs make the aquarium ideal for families and school groups. The facility is also committed to conservation, participating in rehabilitation efforts for endangered species. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and having welcomed more than 15 million visitors from over 150 countries, Istanbul Aquarium is one of the city's premier attractions.