In the rapidly evolving Istanbul real estate market, one of the most significant and strategic areas on the European side is the Media Highway district, locally known as “Basin Ekspres”. Originally an industrial zone filled with warehouses and factories, the area has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last decade — and it’s far from over.
The Rise of Media Highway: Istanbul’s New CBD
According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Strategic Plan, the Media Highway region is designated as a Prestige Service Area and a Central Business Zone, marking it as Istanbul’s future financial and commercial nucleus. The aim is to eventually surpass traditional districts like Şişli and Levent in terms of office density, accessibility, and prestige.
Where Is Media Highway?
The Media Highway corridor spans across three districts: Bağcılar, Bahçelievler, and Küçükçekmece. The region begins at the former Atatürk Airport, intersects with the E-5 highway, connects northward to the TEM highway, and continues North as an 8 lane highway toward the new Istanbul Airport and the Northern Marmara Motorway (O-7).
Küçükçekmece, especially the Atakent neighbourhood, has developed into a highly sought-after residential area, well-organized with excellent infrastructure. It is home to modern hospitals like Acıbadem and Memorial, major universities like Altınbaş and Sabahattin Zaim, and dozens of private schools, making it particularly ideal for families.
Bağcılar has seen an influx of five-star hotels, business plazas, and modern residential towers, establishing itself as a rising star. Bahçelievler, historically slower to develop, is now catching up fast with major urban transformation projects and improved transportation links.
A Mega Transformation on a Grand Scale
Unlike older parts of the city that must build “like for like” due to space restrictions, Media Highway benefits from large parcels of redeveloped industrial land. This has allowed for high-rise, mixed-use mega projects and luxury residences with hotel-style amenities. Today, the district boasts:
- Over 30+ branded residence complexes
- Dozens of A+ office towers
- Major international hotels including Hilton, Wyndham, and Radisson
Transport Transformation – Metro & Rail Expansion
Transport infrastructure has been the game changer. The most impactful addition is the new M9 metro line, opened in 2024, which links Başakşehir to Ataköy via Media Highway. This connects residents directly to Istanbul Airport, the TEM, E-5, and even the Marmaray railway line.
Additional rail projects include:
- M1A Yenikapı–Atatürk Airport Line extension toward Halkalı (under construction)
- M7 Mahmutbey–Mecidiyeköy Line extension toward Bağcılar-Kirazlı (under construction)
- High-speed train integration at Halkalı and Istanbul Airport (in progress)
These will collectively bring seamless connections from Media Highway to the Historic Peninsula, Asian side, Bosphorus bridges, and new airport.
The Decommissioning of Atatürk Airport: What It Means
With the closure of Atatürk Airport in 2019, height restrictions in the area were lifted. Since then, developers have capitalized by launching skyscraper projects that are reshaping the skyline. The old airport is being partially repurposed as a national park and expo district, further elevating the area’s prestige and livability.
The Business World Moves West
Media Highway has evolved into a new business axis, attracting:
- Corporate headquarters and regional offices
- Tech startups and data centers
- Logistics and e-commerce operations
Companies traditionally located in Levent, Maslak, or the Asian side are now turning toward Basin Ekspres for cost-effective, well-connected office spaces.
A Region on the Rise
The Media Highway area is no longer Istanbul’s hidden investment gem — it’s a flagship regeneration project now entering its maturity phase. With modern infrastructure, luxury residences, hotel investments, and unparalleled connectivity, it is set to become Istanbul’s most prestigious and livable central business district.
Whether you’re an investor or a homebuyer, this is the time to explore property options in Media Highway (Basin Ekspres) before the next wave of appreciation kicks in.
Related: Apartments for sale in Küçükçekmece
The Media Highway is made up of three districts, Bagcilar, Bahcelievler, and Kucukcekmece. Bagcilar and Kucukcekmece have advanced incredibly over the last ten years. Kucukcekmece, more specifically the Atakent region, is now one of the best organised and desirable quarters of Istanbul. With ultra modern hospitals, large universities, and dozens of branded private colleges, it really is an excellent place to live for families.
Bagcilar has also advanced, with several 5 star hotels and malls serving the area, and dozens of private residential complexes now completing. Bahcelievler has lagged behind but is now rapidly catching up.
Media Highway’s past as the factory and warehouse region of Istanbul, has allowed for transformation on a large scale. Whilst other regions of Istanbul have replaced old buildings like for like, Media HIghway’s large plots allow for mega projects and tall towers to be built.
Media Highway has more than 30 residences, dozens of 5 star hotels and prestigious A+ class office investments taking the place of old industrial areas, allowing large-scale concept projects to pass through life. The region, which draws attention to the mega projects that will shape the future of Istanbul, is a junction point connecting the E-5, the TEM, and the coastal road. With its connection to the North Marmara Motorway, the Media Highway will also become one of the most accessible destinations in Istanbul with its metro and rail system investments.
Metro lines drive public investment
Three metro lines totalling over 100km are also under construction, a public investment running into the billions. This will transform the area even further, as each line is expected to come into service in 2018, 2019, and the last in 2020. It will allow residents to get around the historic city without entering Istanbul’s infamous traffic.
It is envisaged that the Media Highway, which has become the new meeting point of the business world by creating its own regional dynamics, will host the companies that need new offices in Istanbul and the developing companies of Istanbul.
