10.08.2026 20:00
In Istanbul, particulate matter-related air pollution in July decreased by 7 percent compared to the same period last year, but the difference between districts drew attention. While Sultangazi and Kagithane were the regions with the highest measured pollution, the cleanest air was recorded in Kandilli, Uskudar, and Umraniye. In Sariyer, the pollution rate increased by more than 76 percent in one year.
A study on air pollution rates in July 2025 and 2026 in Istanbul was conducted by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros, Head of the Department of Climate Science and Meteorology Engineering at the Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics of Istanbul Technical University (ITU).
AIR POLLUTION IN THE MEGACITY DECREASED BY 7 PERCENT
In this context, the particulate matter (PM10) levels in the air recorded by the air quality measurement stations of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) were examined.
Accordingly, the average particulate matter concentration in Istanbul in July was determined as 29.77 micrograms per cubic meter across 26 stations, while it was 32.04 micrograms in the same month of the previous year.
Particulate matter-related air pollution decreased by 7 percent compared to the previous year.
DISTRICTS WITH THE DIRTIEST AND CLEANEST AIR REVEALED
In July, the station with the highest particulate matter air pollution measured in the city was "Sultangazi 3" with 56.66 micrograms per cubic meter. This was followed by "Kagithane 1" with 55.31 micrograms per cubic meter and "Sultangazi 2" with 51.41 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively.
During the same period, the station with the lowest measured air pollution was "Kandilli 1" with 14.14 micrograms per cubic meter. Particulate matter pollution was measured at 15.75 micrograms at the "Uskudar 1" station and 16.15 micrograms at the "Umraniye 1" station.
HIGHEST INCREASE IN SARIYER
In this context, it was determined that the particulate matter air pollution rate decreased at 17 stations in the city, while it increased at 9 stations.
The stations where the air pollution rate increased the most in July compared to the same period of the previous year were determined as "Sariyer" with 76.37 percent and "Kumkoy" with 64.51 percent.
In the same period, the station with the highest decrease in particulate matter air pollution rate was "Umraniye 1" with 46.76 percent. This was followed by "Uskudar 1" with 40.95 percent and "Yenibosna" with 40.21 percent, respectively.
The average particulate matter air pollution measured at stations in Istanbul is as follows:
| Stations | July 2025 µg/m3 | July 2026 µg/m3
| Change percentage |
| Aksaray | 35.52 | 31.99 | -9.96 |
| Alibeykoy | 24.89 | 17.18 | -30.99 |
| Arnavutkoy | 16.03 | 19.45 | 21.37 |
| Avcilar | 30.63 | 19.45 | 21.37 |
| BAGCILAR | 37.46 | 24.5 | -34.6 |
| Besiktas | 30.4 | 19.24 | -36.71 |
| Beylikduzu | 30.88 | 42.47 | 37.54 |
| Buyukada | 21.48 | 17.25 | -19.7 |
| Catladikapi | 31.16 | 33.58 | 7.78 |
| Esenler | 29.19 | 21.25 | -27.21 |
| Kadikoy | 26.58 | 30.16 | 13.5 |
| Kagithane 1 | 43.57 | 55.31 | 26.94 |
| Kandilli 1 | 19.59 | 14.14 | -27.81 |
| Kartal | 36.45 | 23.63 | -35.17 |
| Kumkoy | 18.88 | 31.06 | 64.51 |
| Maslak | 26.01 | 20.22 | -22.23 |
| Sancaktepe | 56.91 | 41.21 | -27.6 |
| Sariyer | 15.59 | 27.49 | 76.37 |
| Selimiye | 26 | 33.47 | 28.71 |
| Sultangazi 1 | 45.04 | 40.9 | -9.2 |
| Sultangazi 2 | 35.04 | 51.41 | 46.7 |
| Sultangazi 3 | 52.5 | 56.66 | 7.93 |
| Tuzla | 45.62 | 41.88 | -8.21 |
| Umraniye 1 | 30.34 | 16.15 | -46.76 |
| Uskudar 1 | 26.68 | 15.75 | -40.95 |
| Yenibosna | 40.59 | 24.27 | -40.21 |
"ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRACTICES NEED TO BE DETERMINEDLY CONTINUED"
Evaluating the air pollution rates, Prof. Dr. Huseyin Toros stated that the decrease in particulate matter concentration across Istanbul is a pleasing development in terms of air quality.
Toros noted that the reduction in air pollution cannot be attributed to a single cause and stated that practices aimed at reducing transportation-related emissions, increasing environmental measures in industry, improvements in fuel quality, and meteorological conditions could all have a combined effect.
Toros drew attention to the fact that despite the improvement in average air quality across the city, particulate matter levels have increased in some regions, stating, "The decrease in average values across Istanbul is a positive development. However, the increases observed at some stations indicate that regional sources of air pollution persist. In order for air quality to improve sustainably, environmentally friendly practices in transportation, industry, energy use, and urbanization processes must be continued with determination."
"IT SHOWS THAT AIR QUALITY IN ISTANBUL IS GENERALLY ON AN IMPROVING TREND"
Stating that citizens can also contribute to the protection of air quality, Toros pointed out the importance of preferring public transportation, achieving energy savings, increasing green areas, and efforts to reduce emissions.
Prof. Dr. Toros stated, "The latest data reveals that air quality in Istanbul is generally on an improving trend. For this positive picture to become permanent, it is of great importance that both institutions and citizens continue their environmentally sensitive approach."