THE ISLANDS OF ISTANBUL
Like all major cities,
Istanbul is always busy. For those who dislike the din and rush of the
metropolis the ideal escape is provided by the islands of the Sea of Marmara.
There are regular ferry services to all the inhabited islands.
After an earthquake, a
mountain range was inundated by the Sea Of Marmara leaving only the highest
peaks above sea level which formed a set of islands called Prince Islands.
Their silhouette can be seen from many parts of Istanbul. If you are really
curious about them you cannot satisfy your curiosity about them, you cannot
satisfy your curiosity by watching from afar. You can access them via one of
the boats departing regularly to the islands. Once you discover the peaceful
life style, the quiet and calm of the islands, the clean streets and unspoilt
nature thee, you will find returning to the city very difficult.
The islands form a row in the Sea of Marmara.
The easternmost island is the smallest and called Sedef Adasi ( Mother of Pearl
Island), then comes Buyukada ( Large island) , Heybeliada ( saddlebag Island) ,
Burgazada and Kinaliada (Henna Island). Each island has its own special charm
and their popularity is directly related to their size.Ferries drop by each of
them in the following order: first Kinaliada, then Burgazada, Heybeliada and
lastly Buyukada.
The regular ferry service
departs for Prince Islands from Sirkerci, Kadikoy, Kabatas , Bostanci and Kartal
piers and the sea bus catamarans depart from Kabatas , Sirkeci and Bostanci.
KANALIADA
KANALIADA is the first stop
for ferries departing from Istanbul. Generally not many disembark there, as the
favoured destination is Buyukada, but there is a lot to see on this island
which cannot be found in the other islands.
Although there fewer
historical buildings and fewer panoramic views, during the summer months
especially the island is more tranquil than the other islands and it has more
beaches. So if you enjoy the sea and sun, disembark here and explore Kinaliada.
BURGAZADA
Burgazada is to the west of
Heybeliada and the second stop after Kinaliada. It is the third largest of the
Prince Islands. The most popular in the island is the Bayrak Tepesi ( Flag
Hill) , which has a panoramic view. Like the other islands Burgazada is
secluded and was occupied in the past by ascetics and monks. On the summit of
Bayrak tepesi is the ruin of Christos monastery from the 9th
century.
The island is a preferred
place for literary and art luminaries due to its unique location and
magnificent natural scenery, albeit being a second to Buyukada. One of its most
famous inhabitants was the Turkish writer Sait Faik Abasiyank. The mansion
house in which the author died in 1954 serves today as the Museum of Sait Faik
Abasyanik. Opposite the museum is the Ayios Loannis ( St John the Baptist)
Church, which is believed to date from the Byzantine Period.
HEYBELIADA
HEYBELIADA is the third stop
for ferries coming from Istanbul and the second largest island after Buyukada.
It has more greenery than the other islands and all areas excluding the
settlements are forests. That is why it is preferred spot or picnicking. The
most favoured spot is the Degirmen Point, which is frequented by picnickers. As
on all, you can hire bikes to travel around or to take a horse and cart ride.
It beaches are quieter than those of the other islands.On the highest point of the
island is a monastery, Aya Triada (Holy Trinity). Special permission is
required to visit the inside, but of you climb the hill you can at least enjoy
the view.
BUYUKADA
BUYUKADA is the most popular
and largest island of Istanbul. Its beauty is striking once you disembark at
the Buyukada Pier. The building shows features of late Ottoman architecture and
its dome, arched façade decorated with tiles and stained glass windows make it
one of the finest examples of its kind. Take some time to visit the inside of
the pier building before rushing out to explore the island. It is a kind of
marine museum, with documents, models, old photos related to seafaring on
permanent display. There is a café on the top floor where you can enjoy the
seascape with a cup of tea or a cold drink.
After leaving the pier
building you follow the road straight to the tower clock located in a square
which is surrounded with timber mansion houses and kiosks. You can take a horse
and cart ride from here to your destination or hire a bike since there is no
motor vehicle on the island. Horse carts are ideal to explore the streets of
Buyukada or to tour the island. Mimosa and thousands of other species of shrubs
and flowers adorn the road sides, so bike tours are also very popular.
On the main streets the
mansion houses, which are currently used as bars or hotels, are adorned with
flower gardens which have become symbols of the island. The best examples can
be seen in the Nizam neighbourhood. Other historical buildings are monasteries
and churches. The CHRISTOS MONASTERY is one of the most popular sites in
Buyukada. The Old Greek Orphanage situated next to the monastery is one of the
largest timber buildings in the world.
The most visited spot of
Buyukada has also the best view at the highest point of the island. This is the
Aya Yorgi Church. The steep hill is very difficult to climb, but the scenery
and view improves as you ascend. According to an ancient belief, if a person
climbs there barefoot, then his or her wishes will be fulfilled. Another way to
achieve your wishes is to tie coloured rags to the trees lining the road or to
tie a piece of thread at one end of the slope and the other at the top –
without breaking it. These methods may not appear realistic to you, but many
people have brought gifts to the church as a thank you present: these are on
permanent display in a glass cabinet inside the Aya Yorgi Church.
Buyukada and love are inseparable,
and on the Lovers Hill you will see many couples escaping from the city,
walking hand in hand.
With its many remarkable
features, the island is so rejuvenating that,before you realize it, the time
comes to take the return ferry. If you come on a day trip you can watch the
best sunset of Buyukada at the pier or at Dilburnu during your last minutes on
the island. Behind Heybeliada the city lights of Istanbul become clearly
visible and the enchanting views capture your attention for hours.
TRANSPORTS: Sea bus catamarans
as well as classical ferries departing from Kadikoy, Bostanci and Kabatas piers
provide regular services to the island. Some trips are direct, some stop at
other islands. If you do not want to stay overnight the last boat depart to Bostanci
at 0030 hours.
The most visited spot of
Buyukada has also the best view at the highest point of the island. This is the
Aya Yorgi Church. The steep hill is very difficult to climb, but the scenery
and view improves as you ascend. According to an ancient belief, if a person
climbs there barefoot, then his or her wishes will be fulfilled.Another way to
achieve your wishes is to tie coloured rags to the trees lining the road, or to
tie a piece of thread at one end of the slop and the other at the top-without
breaking it. These methods may not appear realistic to you, but many people
have brought gifts to the church as a thank you present : these are on
permanent display in a glass cabinet inside the Aya Yorgi Church.
ACCOMMODATION:
If you want to enjoy and
experience, the whole Buyukada and stay for a couple of days, why not find a
room in one of the former mansion houses that has been converted into a hotel?
DRINKING AND EATING:
There are all manner of meat
and fish restaurants on the island where you can also enjoy the island’s own
wines. The fish restaurants along the shore are a good choice, with their
beautiful views of Istanbul. Rose shaped ice-cream and homemade wines are among
the specialties. The patisseries and cafes along the both sides of the Pier are
ideal for day trippers. To take an ice in one of the many ice cream shops in
Buyukada Square is an ideal way to cool down on a hot summer’s day.
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