Natural Symphony

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On Sunday I was off to Adalar, as The Prince' Islands are known collectively.


The Prince' Islands form a small archipelago in the Sea of Marmara to the immediate southeast of Istanbul. The Islands are comprised of 9 string of islands named: Buyukada, Burgazada, Kinaliada, Sedefadasi, Yassiada, Kasikadasi, Sivriada, Heybeliada and Tavsanadasi. They are only 2,3 to 15,5 km away from Istanbul. On a clear bright day the islands (Turkish: Ada) can be easily seen on the south horizon from just about any vantage point in the City.


In Byzantine era, Princes and other royalty were exiled on the Islands, lending them their present name. In time, the Armenians dwelled in Kinaliada, the Greeks in Burgazada, the Jews in Buyukada and the Turks in Heybeliada. During the 19th century, the Islands became a popular resort for Istanbul's wealthy, and Victorian-era cottages and houses are still preserved on the largest of the Prince's Islands.


Today they have still a cosmopolitan population, and are frequently visited by both locals and tourists as a summer resort and entertainment places.


The peace I find out here is a strong contrast to the noise in the City, and feels really soothing for the soul in the Bosphorus straits. Especially at the weekends, they are the ideal places to experience solitude amongst nature and and the sea for day trips via ferry from Istanbul. Every tone of green and blue meet perfectly here... ohhhh j'adore!

Island blue flowered a necklace, look at what I was wearing yesterday: multi-colored hand-made beaded long necklace, knitted like a rug with lovely tiny beads, which I used to call ''Island Beauty'':) Isn't it gorgeous?!

The closest and the most popular islands are Buyukada, Burgazada, Kinaliada and Heybeliada. From the ferry you can make out the rounded dome of a Greek Orthodox Church as well as the sole minaret of a small mosque on the island:



The third largest island, Burgazada (called ''Panormos'' in the Byzantine period) has a well-developed town center with waterside restaurants, pastry shops, bike rental counters surround the ferry terminal:



We did among the streets of Burgazada, non-stop walking as you see me below:) looking at the Island's local sites:


First we walked to the Greek Orthodox (Ayios Ioanis), the Church of St John :



As motorized vehicles (apart from limited construction and maintenance vehicles) are not allowed on most of the islands, so visitors explore the islands by foot, bicycle, in horse-drawn carriages, or by riding a donkey:


Even though the island is small enough to walk easily, numerous horse-drawn taxis ply for everyone's business. They talk about 'deeluxe';) The seats are like in Chevrolet, and the suspension like a BMW;) Besides kidding, all the luxuria is really included in a horse-drawn carriage (Turkish: Fayton) for the customer pleasure and comfort along the way, so no excuse:)




The Island is filled with streets that allow you to wander and meander around.


Wild flowers grow all around the island, and they are in so wonderful colors, pinks, purples, reds, thousands of varities even wrapping up the houses:



The Island is dotted with nice summer houses, graceful structures of wood and white-wash, as well as the stone houses built by the Greek families that used to live on Burgazada. Prices of mansions on the Prince' Islands increase to 3.5 million euros. Continue reading the full article here. Here are two examples from those high-priced beautiful houses:



Our next site was the Sait Faik Abasiyanik Museum. The famous Turkish noveliest, Sait Faik Abasiyanik has lived here. He was a local islander who has written lots of stories about island life. His house has been turned into a museum dedicated to his work and his retains. Quite charming! (Below) His statue placed in the garden of the museum:


The waves gently lap at the shoreline and the unnerving quiet is quickly replaced by the sound of birds singing and the clip-clop of horse hooves, I love this melody very much...



As we talked, we eventually found ourselves on high ground at the Ogretmenevi - The Teacher's House. SUPERB panorama of Istanbul from under your feet... A little black one with bright green eyes was very kind to host us, and did not leave us alone;) Many people believe that it brings good luck if you see a black cat which walks towards you. If so, I'd be the happiest as I need that kinda good luck as soon as possible:)


Mini classical concert given by twin-sisters Seren and Oya added much color to our late evening, especially some tunes loaded with Spanish soul and elegance, and from Bach as well. I loved...


It's a place for teachers to stay and get refreshments, but they have got the similar facilities for others as well. It was Ok for us to stop for a glass of Turkish tea in a little tulip-shaped glasses, that's a traditional style:) and viewing the glorious sunset...