Overview:

is an island off the coast of Istanbul in the Marmara Sea. The island is a popular spot both for daytrips from Istanbul, as well as for longer stays. Buyukada is the largest of the Princes’ Islands, and is connected to the mainland and other islands by frequent ferry services. Buyukada is known for its 19th-century wooden architecture, expansive beaches, lush green parks, iconic churches, and the oldest working cable car in the world. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. Beaches: Buyukada in Istanbul has several peaceful public beaches offering sunbathing and swimming, as well as beach clubs serving tasty food and snacks. 2. Nature: Buyukada is an ideal destination for nature lovers, with lush green hills, acres of forests, and plenty of wildlife. 3. Monasteries & Churches: The area is home to several historic monasteries and churches, including the ancient Byzantine Church of Panayia Limni. 4. Bike Tours: With its winding paths, quiet villages, and breathtaking scenery, Buyukada is an ideal place for a leisurely bike tour. 5. Shopping: Buyukada has a range of traditional stores and modern shopping malls, offering a wide selection of Turkish handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. 6. Restaurants & Cafes: The area is well-known for its wide variety of eateries, from traditional Ottoman-style restaurants to modern fusion cafes. 7. Ferries: Buyukada’s ferry terminals offer regular services to many of the city’s popular attractions, including the Grand Bazaar and Galata Tower. 8. Historical Sites: Buyukada is home to several ancient fortresses, historic monuments, and Ottoman-era mansions, providing a fascinating insight into the area’s past. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Buyukada is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, located on an island in the Sea of Marmara. It is the largest of the nine Princes' Islands, and is the only one accessible to the public. The island has been inhabited since antiquity and was home to a major center of religious worship during Byzantine rule. During Ottoman rule, the island was reserved for the ruling elite and became a popular destination for wealthy merchants and high-ranking officials. In the 19th century, Buyukada became a popular holiday destination for visitors from Istanbul, who came to enjoy the island’s pleasant climate and beaches. The Ottoman government began building a number of elegant Yalı (riverside mansions) and grand villas, many of which are still standing today. The island’s population swelled in the late 19th century when it became one of the first destinations for Jewish immigrants fleeing from the Ottoman Empire’s crumbling provinces. The turn of the 20th century saw the island’s first motorised public transport, numerous hotels and guesthouses, and the construction of luxury health resorts. During the 1960s and 1970s, Buyukada’s population boomed as more and more residents relocated there from inner Istanbul. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination for visitors from Turkey and beyond. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Buyukada is known for its authentic wooden houses, painted in pastel colors with a unique and decorative architecture. 2. Buyukada, meaning “Big Island”, is the largest of the nine Princes’ Islands located in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul. 3. One of the main attractions of Buyukada is its incredible vehicle-less roads, as the island has banned motor vehicles. 4. Buyukada's harbors and beaches are perfect for swimming, relaxing and even snorkeling. 5. The Orthodox church of St. George, located on the island, was built in the 6th century and is still holding Sunday services today. 6. Buyukada is home to many mosques, vintage churches and ruins, and interesting historical sites. 7. There is a centuries-old bazaar in Buyukada with a wide variety of odds and ends to explore. 8. Buyukada is home to the Haydarpasa Station, the oldest railway station of the Ottoman Empire. 9. Visitors may take a funicular ride from the lower station on the Buyukada seaside up to the upper station located on the island's summit. 10. Buyukada is also known for its tasty restaurants, hotels, and small bars. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era