Istanbul Islands

Turkey is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Among the tourists of this country, the destinations of Antalya, Kusadasi, and Istanbul are very common, but this green and lush country have other tourist destinations as well. Among these tourist destinations, we can mention the beautiful islands of Istanbul.   Prince Islands Istanbul has four beautiful islands in its Asian part, in the Sea of Marmara, which were once used as places of exile by Ottoman princes. Today, these islands are known as the Prince Islands and are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The four islands of the Prince Islands are Buyuk Ada, Burgas Ada, Kinali Ada, and Hibeli Ada. It is noteworthy that no car is allowed to enter the Prince Islands, and there are three ways to explore these beautiful islands with a pleasant climate: hiking, carriage rental, and bicycle rental.   Buyuk Ada Island Buyuk Ada (Turkish: Büyükada) means “big island”. The reason for this name is that Buyuk Ada is the largest island on Prince Island. Buyuk Ada covers an area of ​​about 5 square kilometers and is a neighborhood in the Adalar district of Istanbul. This famous and beautiful island has many historical monuments from the time of the Ottomans as well as the Byzantine Empire, the most famous of which is the 600-year-old Ayurvedic church. Buyuk Ada has two hills, one of which is located near the port of the ship and its name is Isa Tepesi, Isa Tepesi in Turkish means Jesus Hill. In the valley between the two hills, there is a church and also a monastery called Agios Nikolaos. Other tourist attractions on the island include the Greek Orthodox Church of Hagios Demetrius, Panagia, the Armenian Church of Surp Astvadzadzin Verapolium, and the Franciscan Church of San Pacific.   Burgas Ada Island The third-largest island of Istanbul is Burgas Ada, named after the castle built by Demetrius I of Macedonia (one of Alexander’s successors). Tourists of the island can visit the museum called Sait Faik Abasıyanık, which is named after one of the famous Turkish writers. The author used Burgas Ada as a common place for his works.   Kinali Ada Island Kınalı ada means “Island of Henna”. The reason for this name is the reddish color of the island’s earth, which is due to the presence of iron and copper. People who want to visit this beautiful island can travel from the coast to the island in 25 minutes by speedboat or in 40 minutes by regular ferry.   Heybeli Ada Island Hebeli Ada is one of the Prince Islands located in the Sea of Marmara. There are two tourist attractions and architecturally beautiful works in the Maritime School area on the island: The only Byzantine church left on the islands of Istanbul is called Kamariotissa. This church is the last place built before the conquest of Constantinople. The second is the tomb of Edward Baryon, the second British ambassador to be sent to the region by order of Queen Elizabeth I.