Büyükada
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Büyükada gained its popularity again during the 1940's as a summer residence for high-level bureaucrats and rich people. During this period the island surrounded itself with beautiful, elegant pavilions and became one of the most popular excursion site of Istanbul.
Büyükada has two hills. Yücetepe (Lofty hill) mounts on the south with a height of 203 meters and Isa Tepesi (Christ's Hill) with a height of 164 meters on the north. There are two public beaches, one of which is situated in an unusually beautiful cove. It takes two hours to go around the island in a horse-drawn carriage. However the most popular ride on the island follows a course between the pavilions in well-kept gardens and through the forests on the hills (the half-tour). Contrary to the heavily populated residential areas near the pier, the back of the island is occupied only by desolate rocky beaches that are ideal natural harbors for small boats. The small peninsula on the side facing Heybeli Ada and covered with pine trees is known as Dil Burnu (Tongue Headland). Yörükali cove lays on the south of this headland while Nizam cove lays on the north. Dil Burnu environs have a special importance because the beach facilities of Yörükali and Nizam and the woods covering the headland make it a popular excursion spot. The beach is covered with sand and pebbles and the sea is shallow for about 30 meters from the land.
Haghia Yorgi church and monastery stands on top of Yücetepe. The first building was constructed in the 6th century A.D. Remains of many churches and monasteries can still be seen there. Thousands of Turkish citizens and tourists visit this church on April 23 and September 24 every year. According to Christian belief the people who climb this hill are considered half pilgrim (to visit Meryem Ana – Virgin Mary Church in Ephesus is necessary to be considered as pilgrim.)
On top of Isa Tepesi stands Hristos church and monastery. Haghia Dimitrios church on the seaside is one of the important religious buildings on Büyükada. The important rites of the Orthodox congregation mostly take place in this church.
A very different world just nearby with its pine woods,
country cafes and horse-drawn carriages...
Büyükada is the furthest and the largest of the islands. Its historical
pier and large market place immediately surround you. To the left lay the famous
fish restaurants and towards right, there are tea gardens and shelter for fishermen
all the way until Anadolu Kulübü. The road in front of the pier leads to the
market place were beer houses, fried mussel sellers, and cafes welcome you.
The products on the counters and shops are fresh however they are expensive
since they have been brought from Bostancı. At the clock tower stand the fayton
(horse-drawn carriages) you can also rent bikes from here. This is the only
way of transportation around the islands. You hire the carriages for either
a “big” or “small” tour or tell them a particular address. Either way, you are
sure to marvel at the beauty of the place. .
For those who enjoy walking!
If you wish to digest Büyükada, walking is one of the best ways to do it and
only the delicate sound of fayton bells will awaken you from time to time. On
the right you'll see the splendid Anadolu Kulübü. Then you'll turn to
Mehmetcik Avenue pass through the Armenian Catholic Astvadzazin Church and arrive
Çankaya Avenue and see the four-story, 22-roomed “Agopyan Pavilion”. You'll
see “Büyükada Culture house” on your right. You can have rest there along with
a cup of tea or coffee and a snack. You can also have breakfast if you arrive
early for a very reasonable price. Classical music concerts take place during
the weekends. If you keep on walking you'll run into a big garden in which a
tower stands belonging to “Büyükada Tennis and Water Sports Facilities”. At
the end of the road you'll see Ahmet Emin Yalman Yalısı (waterside residence),
gray and white in color. This attractive building is now under restoration.
This walking route ends with Nizam Slope and Dil Burnu (Tongue Headland) Resting
Facilities where you can find tea, coffee, soft drinks and beer. Grill variations
are sometimes available. You may also bring your own meat, which you would grill
yourself and you can rent the coal and grill for a very cheap price.
Restaurants and cafes line the seashore near the pier and there are some hotels and pensions. The most famous café is the one running by Turing.
Also See:
Latest comments about this article
By
Ligia 16.5.2006
I would like to know what my options on on how to get to this island.
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