Other Islands

Kaşık Adası (Spoon Island)
This small private island lies between Burgaz and Heybeliada. Its length from north to south does not exceed a few hundred meters. There is only a plain quay and two small houses. Swimming near the island is okay, however it is forbidden to moor at the island.

Sivri Ada or Hayırsız Ada (Pointed or Useless Island)
It is one of the smallest among the Princes' Islands. It is uninhabited and rises about 90 meters high from the sea level. There is a small harbor at the south of the island and fresh water well. It was also used as an exile place during the Byzantine period. The rocks from this island built the Haydarpaşa dock and the breakwater.

English Ambassador Sir Henry Bulwer purchased the island in 1859 and constructed some strange castle like buildings. Then the island was sold to Egypt Khedive, Ismail Pasa. However he was not interested in the development of the island. Don't be surprised! It is a very popular island for the islanders; they escape from the weekend visitors of the Princes' Islands. Usually they come here with their yachts or motorboats in the afternoons, have a nice and quiet night and return the next day. The cove is very crowed during daytime. It was a lobster heaven before the Marmara Sea was polluted; unfortunately today all you can find is sand crabs.

Yassı Ada (Flat Island)
The Turkish Navy purchased Yassı Ada and a modern naval education institution was established. After the May 27th, 1960 revolution, the Prime Minister together with some members of the cabinet were kept under probation and judged on this island. The Prime Minister and two ministers were sentenced to death and the penalty was executed there. After "Yassıada Courts" the island again returned back to its naval and academic activities which continued until 1978 and then the establishment was transferred to Istanbul University, Faculty of Water Products.

Tavşan Adası (Rabbit Island)
Tavşan Adası, situated 0.5 miles southern of Büyükada is the furthest island from Istanbul lying 13.5 sea miles from the port. It derives its name from the rabbits still living there. It is a little bigger than Kasik Adasi. It is a plain rock with a hill of 40 meter. The formal name written on the maps is Balıkçı Adası (Fisherman Island) and it offers hope to the fishermen who were unsuccessful in fishing Moda, Haydarpaşa and the Bosphorus. The island remains uninhabited too.

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