Polonezköy, although still within the city, is 25 km. away from the centre and not easy to reach by public transport. Translated as “village of the Poles”, the village has a fascinating history: It was established in 1848 by Prince Czartorisky, leader of the Polish nationals who was granted exile in the Ottoman Empire to escape oppression in the Balkans. During his exile, he succeeded in establishing a community of Balkans, which still survives, on the plot of land sold to him by a local monastery.
Since the 1970s the village has become a popular place with local Istanbulites, who buy their pig meat there (pig being forbidden under Islamic law and therefore difficult to get elsewhere). All the Poles have since left the village, and the place is inhabited now by wealthy city people, living in the few remaining Central European style wooden houses with pretty balconies.

What attracts most visitors to Polonezkoy is its vast green expanse, which was designated Istanbul’s first national park, and the walks though forests with streams and wooden bridges.
Because of its popularity, it gets crowded at weekends and the hotels are usually full.Polonezköy is a unique town which has succeeded in protecting the environment around Istanbul, and thus, is respected by Turkish people and foreigners alike.
If you're coming to Polonezköy from Beykoz, you will pass a church and a Catholic cemetery just at the entrance. After  you have driven about 100 meters ahead, you will arrive at the town's small square where horses can be hired. There are many little villas in the area which act as guest houses and pensions. The houses in the village are surrounded by low walls which have been strengthened with a number of tall trees. The entrances to the houses have been entwined with a type of ivy named everblooming roses. It is quite common to see village folk selling glassware in the village square.This Polish town on the outskirts of Beykoz brings together both modern life and tradition. When you go to Polonezköy, it is said that there are around 500 or so Polish residents. It is worth listening to the story of the town which has been told for the past two centuries.

In Polonezköy you might even get a chance to find out why the village was known as "Magical Soils" by the gypsies.Polonezköy is known for it's fresh air, natural beauty, butter, honey, and cherries. In fact, it's cherries are so well known that a cherry festival is organized every June.
The town has become an area which has gained popularity in recent years. People can now visit Polonezköy for a few days, or they can even make a day of it. One of the facilities which makes this possible is Polka Country Hotel. Polka Country Hotel offers the most pleasant possibilities for those who want to experience the beauty of Polonezköy.