Princes' Islands - a haven of disgraced emperors

Prince Islands are called the archipelago,consisting of nine different largest islands. They are one of the districts of the province of Istanbul. The archipelago received such an interesting name due to the fact that all people of noble birth and even the royal family were banished to the government. Since the beginning of the XIX century, the island was used as a resort recreation area.

The Princes Islands are located in the Sea of ​​Marmara.Istanbul, when viewed from the Asian part, is 2.5 km away, while from the European part it is 12-22 km. Interestingly, the archipelago received such a name from foreigners, but the Turks call it simply Adalar, which means “islands”. If earlier Princes' Islands were used for imprisonment of noble persons, today it is one of the most popular destinations for excursions. To the destination get only by ferry, on the islands themselves are not allowed to drive cars. You can walk, rent a bike or ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

The largest of the islands is Buyukada.It was he who took the greatest number of persons of royal blood, claiming the imperial throne. Here is a convent built by order of Empress Irene, and she later became its hostage. In it lived objectionable court women, as well as the old monks. Buyukada is interesting in that Christian churches, mosques and synagogues built almost next door peacefully coexist here.

The second largest island is Heybeliada.A long time ago three monasteries were built on it, and there was a small fishing village. But after the Princes' Islands attracted attention, the population of Heybeliada gradually grew, a ferry service with Istanbul was established. Already in the twentieth century, various institutions were built, among which stands out the Naval School and the School of Commerce.

Christians will be interested to look atthe monasteries Aia Yorgi Uchurum and Turki Dunya, as well as the church of St. Mary, which since the XIV century preserve the Princes' Islands. The beaches here are also available, during the excursions tourists can swim in the clear transparent waters of the Sea of ​​Marmara.

The third largest island isBurgazada, which means "fortress". He can simultaneously place about 15 thousand people, but the indigenous population here is no more than 1,500. On this island, you should definitely go to those who love antiquity. Be sure to visit the church Ayia Yani, the construction of which dates from the IX century, the last time the building was restored two centuries ago. Under the church is equipped with a dungeon, in which there are 11 steps. Here you can see the holy source Ayios Loanis, as well as the monastery of Christ.

Принцевы острова очень экзотичны и интересны, но It is worth visiting only the three islands listed above, since the rest do not represent any special cultural value. True, you can still look at Kinalyada, having the color of henna. The greenery is very small, but a lot of stones. Sedefadasy from afar resembles mother-of-pearl due to evergreen trees growing on it.

The Princes' Islands is a very interesting place, allowing you to get closer to the Turkish culture, dive into history and admire the amazing beauty of the local nature.