“We came to Istanbul, it is a huge city and just as crowded. When we say its bazaar and bazaar, we want to rest and find peace. While enjoying the green forests and the blue sea, isn’t there a place where we can get ourselves into therapy by hearing the chirping of birds with our life partner? Don’t worry, please, the beauty of this big city is endless. In this article, we will tell you, our valued guests, the ISLANDS, where you can find the perfect nature, atmosphere and life-extending comfort.
The adventure is just beginning on the way to these beauties. With the sea voyages departing from Kabataş, Kadıköy or Bostancı coast, you can say hello to the day with the unique Marmara Sea and the view of Istanbul that becomes silhouetted as it opens. While watching the sea, do not forget to throw bagels at the seagulls that circle around the ferry. Especially the musicians on the ferry, those art lovers. An old-fashioned salesman who comes to you will try to introduce and sell his products to you with great skill. Let’s just say, don’t get too caught up in the magic.
Now, let’s take a look at the history of these uniquely beautiful settlements, which are worth seeing with the human eye.
There are four settlements named Prince Islands. And you can appreciate that there is a high level of tourism activity in these regions. As in many countries of the world, it welcomes a large number of tourists from the country. Well, why not come to see these beauties, right?
Sedef Island, which is different from other Islands, attracts attention with its unique nature in the world. This settlement, which you can evaluate as a natural rehabilitation center, is one of the rare locations where you can find yourself and your inner peace.
Sivriada’ is a unique treasure for visitors who are interested in history. Ruins and castles from the Great Roman Empire welcome you in this campus. While you are traveling on this island, you can even feel yourself a Roman Legion, let’s say.
Known as the “Lost Island”, Vordonisi houses a monastery dating back to the Byzantine period. However, it is unfortunate that it was buried under water after the natural disaster of the earthquake at that time. Well, that’s why it’s called “Lost Island”. Hold tight, Maltepe Municipality is trying to organize activities under the name of diving tourism so that you can see this underwater beauty. We will be able to gain access to this underwater temple as soon as possible.
Vordonisi Island, on the other hand, is a region that hosts the monasteries where the clergy and other seat holders were exiled under the Byzantine rule under the captivity of the scholastic period. Of course, it is another mystery why such beautiful and heavenly settlements were places of exile in the past.
Another island, named Rabbit Island, is just a piece of land without any settlements. But Rabbit Island is also included in the Prince Islands team.
In the domestic politics of the Byzantine Period, many families and dynasties who claimed sovereignty over the throne and seat were sent to these archipelagos in order not to interfere in their internal affairs, so the region was called the Prince Islands. The region’s passing into the hands of the Ottoman Empire took place during the conquest of Istanbul.
As soon as the ferry that docked at its authentic pier leaves you to the island, we are sure that you will want to photograph this wonderful view first to keep the memory alive. Especially if you visited in summer and spring, you can take a walk along the beach while eating your ice cream.
While walking the streets, if your physical health is suitable, you can remember your childhood by cycling. However, it is very useful to remember that Büyükada consists of two large hills. So there will be a lot of uphills, of course the downhills.
The coast and the sea, on the other hand, are frequented by Istanbulites who take a daily vacation. If you have a bikini or shorts with you, you can cool off in the cold waters of Marmara with these people. On the beaches, your kids can build new sand castles.
Aya Yorgi Church
Aya Yorgi Church, located on the island, is the region with the highest concentration of tourists. Even if you visit during Easter, you may encounter many foreign tourists. After all, this church is the church where Christians perform the most pilgrimage after the Virgin Mary church in İzmir Ephesus. Only this church is quite high up. Let us remind you again and again that you have to climb a steep slope. The pleasure of watching the Marmara Sea and the shores of Istanbul with the advantage of the altitude is really something else. Built in 1751, this church draws attention with its aesthetic understanding of art. There is also a stone carved bell tower. The church is open to visitors between 08.30 and 18.30 on weekdays. However, it is closed to visitors on Sundays due to the mass.
Hamidiye Mosque
Hamidiye Mosque is also a unique architecture that must be seen. It was built between 1893 and 1895, and even the ground floor was used as a school. It has a minaret with a single balcony. As of the period, the size of the mosque is small, as the population of the Muslim people living in the region is small. Likewise, the materials that need to be transported to the island for construction create difficulties, so this has a great impact. A functional mosque, far from ostentatious.
Anatolian Club
Buyukada, which preserves its historical form, has quiet streets as before. We think that you will find peace in these streets and remember the past as if you have seen it.
Anadolu Club, which was the yacht center that the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk visited almost every summer during his health, is also in Büyükada. You can only see this stylish and authentic building from the outside. Unfortunately, non-members cannot enter the facility. A few television series broadcast in Turkey were also shot here.
Islands Museum
The Islands Museum, located in the Hagia Nikola Region, is also on Büyükada. We definitely recommend that you take the time to visit. But it takes a little more strength to walk. For both your health and your viewing pleasure, we definitely recommend you to visit the region every step of the way.
The museum is open to visitors between 10.00-17.00 during the winter and between 09.00 and 18.00 during the summer periods. The entrance fee is quite affordable. If you have a museum card, you can evaluate it. On Wednesdays, it is completely free as it is a public day. Again, this museum is operated by the Islands Municipality. You can access all the images and information about the Prince Islands here.
Also in this museum there is a section on the predicted future of the islands. You can access information about our future and comment with your friends. Sometimes, temporary exhibitions are held, where you can examine contemporary works of art and relieve your aesthetic concerns.
Other Important Places in Buyukada
The tomb of Lefter Küçükandonyadis, the legendary forward of Fenerbahçe and Turkey A National Football Team, is also located on Büyükada.
The lands where Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, also known as the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, who was exiled to Bodrum and one of the unique items of Turkish Literature, was born and spent his childhood.
Leon Trotsky, one of the founders of the Soviet Union, is another exile. It was found on Büyükada between 1929 and 1933.
The house where the master pen Reşat Nuri Güntekin, who is also one of the writers of the Turkish Literature of the Republic Period, lived and grew up, is also located in this region.
Probably the most famous thing on the island is ice cream. While eating your ice cream on the beach, we say that if you don’t have a swimsuit, you can watch the unique sea view.
There is an Orthodox seminary in the region. Let’s add that the Holy Trinity Monastery is also in this area. On the island, whose ancient Greek name is Halki, there is a Orthodox Seminary opened in the early 1900s. The existence of this school caused some disputes between Turkey and Greece after the establishment of the Republic. In the end, the matter was settled, the land of the monastery was transferred to the Turkish State and the school continued to operate. The school was closed in 1971 and now stands in the area as a historical building open to visitors. The historical building is on a hill surrounded by pine trees and is covered with wonderful pine scents. The view is just as beautiful.
İnönü House Museum
İsmet İnönü, the second President of the Republic of Turkey, lived in Heybeliada for a while in order to find healing and get fresh air after his illness, and then the house was converted into a museum and evaluated by the Republic of Turkey.
The house, which has an unusual roof, has pink stripes. We can say that it is a very original house. Of course, you will remember that photo of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk jumping into the sea, and that photo was taken in this house.
Likewise, the house of Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar, one of the master writers of Turkish Literature, is located here on Heybeliada.
Naval School
During the sea expedition, you will pass in front of the Naval School in Heybeliada. During this ferry trip, we can also say Mühendislikhane-i Bahr-i Hümayun, that is, the Sultan’s Marine Engineer training school, which was named by the Ottoman State in 1773. Hope you enjoy watching this historical building…
It is still actively used as the Naval High School. One of the most famous graduates of this school is Nazım Hikmet Ran, one of the poets of Turkish Literature.
Likewise, Aziz Nesin graduated from this school.
Church of St. Nicholas
The architecture and interior decoration of the St. Nicholas Church on the island, which dates back to the 1850s, is admirable! We definitely want you to visit.
After the death of the famous Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great, Burgazada took its name from the castle built by Demetrius, who was in charge of the administration of this region. But we would not be lying if we say that this candidate is identified with Sait Faik Abasıyanık, the unique storyteller of Turkish Literature. Abasıyanık, who frequently talks about the people of Burgazada, its unique streets, and the effect of island life on human life in his stories, is indeed one of the most important writers in the history of Turkish literature.
Sait Faik Abasıyanık House Museum
There is definitely a reason why we talk about him so much. The house he lived in while he was in Burgazada is a two-storey white mansion with a bay window. It has a unique look. The trees around it add a different beauty to the house and its garden. It has now been converted into a museum. Moreover, according to Abasıyak’s will, the entrance is completely free. There are personal belongings of Sait Faik Abasıyanık inside.
Well, if you have time while you are here, we strongly recommend you to watch the sunset.
Aya Yani Church
Another church on the island is Aya Yani Church. This structure, which has a stylish architecture that should be seen, awaits its visitors.
In fact, Aya Yani Church was built in 842 AD, but it was restored by the Ottoman Empire because it was damaged in the earthquake. A long and thin dome,
Bayraktepe and Aya Yorgi Garibi Monastery
This is exactly here, the highest point of the island, and at this height is the Aya Yorgi Monastery. The view is really worth seeing. With its historical texture and perfect view, we would like you to visit it.
Marta Bay
Marta Bay, located on the island, is a little different from the other islands in the Prince Archipelago, covered with sun loungers and summer cottages. It has a natural beach. It is also possible to camp in the area if you have a tent and the necessary inventory.
It takes its name from Madam Marta, who is said to have lived here and ended her life with her own hand.
There are plenty of iron and copper deposits in this region, where underground mining was done in ancient times. It was called Kınalıada because the color of its soil is reddish.
Let’s also tell the following story: Roman Diogenes, the Byzantine commander who was captured in the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, which was the entry of the Turks into Anatolia, was stripped of his ranks after his defeat and tied to the back of a donkey from Istanbul, and first displayed to the public in the streets of Istanbul. Later, he was exiled to the Metamorphosis Monastery on the island. Diogenes’ life also ended here.
Later, the ruler of the Ottoman Empire, Murat IV, had this monastery demolished.
Christos Monastery
Hristos Monastery, the only surviving monastery to date, is also located on a hill. It is quite enjoyable to watch both the Prince Islands and Istanbul from this hill. As a footnote, the tomb of Leon the 5th, one of the Byzantine rulers, is also located in this region.
Kinaliada Mosque
Kınalıada Mosque, built in the 1960s, has a triangular architecture. Moreover, it has a glazed roof, so we can say that it has a very modern architecture.
Likewise, the pyramid-shaped triangular minaret of the mosque is a very nice design. It’s also memorable.
Panayia Greek Orthodox Church
The design of the Panayia Greek Orthodox Church is entirely wooden. It also has an elegant altar. It is also a bit of proof why Istanbul, the cradle of civilizations, is referred to as such. These streets, reminiscent of the old quarters of Istanbul, host many different beliefs and cultures side by side here.
Other Important Places in Kinaliada
While a part of Ayazma Beach on the island is a public beach, another part is under the management of private companies called “beach”.
The Armenian population is quite dense in this region. Accordingly, the Surp Krikor Lusavoric Church is located in the region.
Stone houses, where Armenians reflect their culture on their architecture, and especially the Sirakyan Houses are among the beauties you can see on foot. Likewise, the Stone Mansion welcomes the island guests with its elegant architecture.
The most important feature that distinguishes Kınalıada from other archipelagos is that it is small. For this reason, there are no phaetons on the island.
We must end our adventure here. Our trip, which started with the ferry, is about to end with the ferry again. Finally, we must say that it is not possible to visit all of the Archipelago in one day. We can say that you will be quite tired even if you visit it… If you try to fit it in one day, there will definitely be missing places.
In our opinion, the best part of the Prince Archipelago is that you will spend a few days in touch with nature, away from the noise, traffic and messy structure of the city.
Our recommendation is to dedicate one day to each island.
You can even make all these visits by staying in Istanbul. In this context, we want you to know that we sincerely want to help you.
We tried to introduce these unique beauties to you when we could, if you follow our advice, you will really make us happy. Happy holidays…