Audio GuideBüyükada

Büyükada, whose name means “Big Island”, lies just a short ferry ride from Istanbul, shimmering in the gentle light of the Sea of Marmara. Its long history is marked by beauty, exile and continual change. The Greeks once knew it as Prinkipos, meaning “Prince”, and ancient writers referred to it as Pityoussa, “place of pines”. Over the centuries, each new name has reflected its changing role, from forested retreat to a backdrop for empires.

Abdullah Al mohamed

During the Byzantine era, emperors built magnificent monasteries here, but the island was also a place of exile for rivals and royalty, sent far from the intrigues of the capital. Under Ottoman rule, Büyükada remained tranquil, its small fishing harbours undisturbed until steam ferries arrived in the late nineteenth century, bringing wealthy residents from Istanbul who built elegant mansions and summer houses. Today, these historic wooden villas, draped in climbing bougainvillea, are among the island’s defining features.

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Büyükada’s spiritual life adds further depth. The Greek Orthodox St George Monastery, perched high above the sea and founded nearly a thousand years ago, attracts pilgrims of all faiths each spring. Both Christians and Muslims ascend the steep, shaded path for prayer and tradition. Nearby stands the Hamidiye Mosque, built by an Ottoman sultan in a distinctly Western style. For many years, the world’s largest wooden orphanage stood here—its vast, silent halls sheltering children from every community. Though now empty, the orphanage remains a testament to the island’s diverse history: Greek, Armenian, Jewish and Turkish.

Today, visitors experience Büyükada’s peaceful atmosphere by hiring bicycles or using quiet electric shuttles, which help to keep the lanes and squares unspoilt. Until two thousand and twenty, horse-drawn carriage tours were a beloved tradition, but concern for animal welfare brought them to an end. The island’s piers are lively in spring and summer, when ferries cross from both sides of Istanbul and the beaches fill with sunbathers.

Over the years, Büyükada has given sanctuary to many notable figures. The exiled Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky wrote here in the nineteen thirties, living in a secluded villa. Many writers, artists, diplomats and politicians have sought rest beneath the island’s pines and in the shelter of its breezes.

Throughout every season, the landscape reveals Büyükada’s spirit. Pine forests and wild shrubs cover the hills, while tall cypress trees rise towards the sky. Each spring, the shore is lined with the pink blossoms of Judas trees. The Museum of the Princes’ Islands preserves the island’s rich history, displaying items such as gold coins from the era of Alexander the Great’s father, reminding visitors of the ancient stories beneath their feet.

The island has long inspired travel writers, who describe it as a world apart from the frantic pace of the city—a place alive with heritage and natural beauty. Whether strolling along winding lanes, pausing at quiet monasteries, or enjoying tea in the shade of old trees, visitors sense the many layers of history and culture that make Büyükada truly unique.