Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul, is an ideal destination for those seeking an escape from the city with its historical atmosphere, natural beauty, and peaceful environment. Hidden historical mansions amidst greenery, bicycle paths, beaches, and delicious seafood make Büyükada a holiday paradise for visitors of all ages.
Transportation
You can reach Büyükada by taking ferries departing from Kabataş, Kadıköy, or Bostancı. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. You can rent a bicycle on the ferry or from bicycle rental points on the island.
Accommodation
Büyükada offers accommodation options for every budget. You can choose from historical mansions restored as hotels, guesthouses, and boutique hotels.
Places to Visit
Aya Yorgi Church
History
The history of Aya Yorgi Church dates back to the 4th century. It is believed that the first church was built by Christians living on Büyükada and dedicated to Saint George. The church is known to have been rebuilt and expanded by the Byzantine Emperor Leo III in the 9th century. In 1821, the church was largely damaged in a fire. In 1834, with the support of the Rum Patriarchate, the church was rebuilt.
Architecture
Aya Yorgi Church is a three-aisled basilica. The church has a bell tower on its western facade. The interior of the church is decorated with frescoes. The frescoes depict scenes from the Bible and the life of Saint George.
Religious Importance
Aya Yorgi Church is an important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians. The church is especially visited by many visitors on April 23, the feast day of Saint George.
Büyükada Greek Orphanage
History
The Büyükada Greek Orphanage was built in 1898 by the French architect Alexandre Vallaury. The construction of the building took 5 years. The orphanage was inaugurated in 1903 with the participation of the Ottoman Sultan II. Abdülhamit and the Greek Patriarch III. Joachim.
Architecture
The Büyükada Greek Orphanage is considered the largest wooden structure in Europe and the second largest in the world. The building, entirely made of wood, has 200 rooms, 400 windows, and 2 chapels. The orphanage’s ceiling is 5 meters high. The facade of the building shows influences from Ottoman and Byzantine architecture.
Use as an Orphanage
The Büyükada Greek Orphanage served as an orphanage until 1964. More than 5,000 orphans have grown up in the orphanage. The orphanage organized various activities in the fields of education, art, and sports.
Closure
The Büyükada Greek Orphanage was closed in 1964 after the 6-7 September Events against the Greek Cypriots. The orphanage building has been abandoned since 1975.
Current Status
The Büyükada Greek Orphanage is currently in ruins. The roof of the building has collapsed, the walls are cracked, and the windows are broken. The garden of the orphanage is also neglected.
Restoration Works
A protocol was signed in 2011 for the restoration of the Büyükada Greek Orphanage. Restoration work began in 2015 and is still ongoing.
Adalar Museum
History
The Adalar Museum was founded in 2010 with the support of the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency. It is the first contemporary city museum in Istanbul. It is located in the Aya Nikola district of Büyükada, one of the oldest historical settlements of the island, in cooperation with the Adalar Foundation and the Adalar Municipality. The main building of the museum is a former helicopter hangar that has been renovated and put into use.
Exhibitions
The permanent exhibitions of the Adalar Museum are:
- Islanders: This exhibition focuses on the daily lives, traditions, and culture of the people living on the islands.
- History of the Islands: This exhibition tells the story of important events and changes that have taken place on the islands throughout history.
- Nature of the Islands: This exhibition examines the plant and animal species found on the islands, their natural beauty, and the importance of environmental protection.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, and various events.
Collection
The collection of the Adalar Museum mainly consists of:
- Objects of daily life
- Oral history records
- Archival documents
- Video and photo records
- Architectural and urban life details
Visiting Information
Address: Aya Nikola Mevkii, Büyükada-maden, Büyükada, 34970 Adalar/İstanbul, Türkiye
Phone: +90 216 382 64 30
Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum
History
The Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum is the mansion on Burgazada Island where the master writer of Turkish literature, Sait Faik Abasıyanık, lived between 1950 and 1954. In accordance with his will, it was opened to visitors as a museum on August 22, 1959.
What’s in the Museum?
The museum exhibits the writer’s personal belongings, photographs, letters, postcards, and manuscripts. Visitors can closely observe Sait Faik’s simple and sincere lifestyle, examine the objects that inspired his works, and feel the writer’s spirit.
The Museum House
The museum consists of a two-story wooden mansion. The ground floor includes the kitchen, living room, and study room. The upper floor consists of the writer’s bedroom and guest room. Each room is decorated with elements that reflect the writer’s personality and taste.
Garden
The museum garden is also beautiful. Surrounded by linden, orange, lemon, and tangerine trees, the garden features a blue-painted table and chair where the writer used to sit. Visitors can relax in this garden and feel the peace that Sait Faik mentioned in his stories.
Visiting Information
Address: Burgazada, Çayır Sokak No:15, 34975 Adalar/İstanbul, Türkiye
Transportation
- You can reach Burgazada by ferry from Kabataş or Kadıköy.
- You can walk or take a phaeton from the pier to the museum.
Reşat Nuri Güntekin House
The Reşat Nuri Güntekin House is a museum located on Büyükada, one of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul, Turkey. The house was the summer home of Reşat Nuri Güntekin, a prominent Turkish novelist and playwright, who lived there from 1937 until his death in 1956.
History of the House
- Güntekin bought the house in 1937 and had it renovated.
- He wrote many of his famous works, including Çalıkuşu (The Thorn Bird), Yaprak Dökümü (Autumn Leaves), and Eskişehir’de Bir Ölüm (A Death in Eskişehir), in this house.
- After Güntekin’s death, the house was used by his family for a while.
- In 1982, it was purchased by the Adalar Municipality and turned into a museum.
Hamidiye Mosque
History
- The Hamidiye Mosque was built on Büyükada between 1892 and 1895 by Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
- It is the largest mosque on the island.
- The mosque was inspired by the Sultanahmet Mosque.
- It was built using cut stone.
- The mosque was restored in 2007.
Architecture
- The mosque has an eclectic style.
- It has a single minaret and a single balcony.
- There is an inscription with gold leaf above the main entrance door.
- The interior of the mosque is decorated with calligraphy and stained glass.
- The mihrab and minbar are made of marble.
Features
- The mosque has a capacity of 1000 people.
- It is an important place of worship that attracts tourists during the summer months.
- It is crowded on Fridays and religious holidays.
- The mosque is one of the symbols of Büyükada.
Visiting Information
- The mosque is open to visitors every day.
- Admission is free.
- It is important to dress modestly when visiting the mosque.
Büyükada Nature Park
Büyükada Tabiat Parkı (Büyükada Nature Park) is a park located on Büyükada, one of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul, Turkey. Declared a Nature Park in 2011, the park covers an area of 445 hectares. The park features pine forests, olive groves, orchards, and various plant species.
Activities in the Park
- You can go hiking and biking in the park.
- You can relax and have a barbecue in the picnic areas.
- You can join horseback riding and phaeton tours.
- There are playgrounds for children.
- There is also a restaurant and a snack bar in the park.
Getting to the Park
- You can reach Büyükada by ferry or sea bus.
- From the pier, you can reach the park on foot or by phaeton.
Park Entrance Fee
- The park entrance fee for 2024 is 1 €.
Things to Do
- You can rent a bike and explore the island.
- You can swim and sunbathe on the beaches.
- You can take a horse-drawn carriage tour.
- You can taste the delicious seafood of the island.
- You can visit historical mansions and Greek houses.
- You can go for nature walks and picnics.
- You can have fun at the amusement park.
Food and Drink
Büyükada has restaurants and cafes for every budget. You can taste the island’s famous fish, mezgit. You can also find fresh seafood, breakfast places, and dessert shops on the island.
When to Go to Büyükada
The best time to visit Büyükada is during spring and autumn. It can be hot and crowded in summer. In winter, some restaurants and cafes may be closed.
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