Audio GuideBüyükada

Büyükada, which means “Big Island,” sits just a short ferry ride from Istanbul, floating in the soft light of the Sea of Marmara. Its story stretches far back in time, marked by a blend of beauty, exile, and transformation. The Greeks once called it Prinkipos, or “Prince,” while ancient writers mentioned it as Pityoussa, a place thick with pine trees. Over the centuries, its names have echoed its changing role: from a forested sanctuary to a stage for empires.

Abdullah Al mohamed

In the Byzantine period, this island was a place where emperors built grand monasteries, but also where political rivals and royal family members were exiled, far from the intrigues of the city. When the Ottomans took over, Büyükada remained quiet, its shores dotted with fishermen until steam ferries in the late nineteenth century invited Istanbul’s elite to build ornate mansions and summer villas. Today, those historic wooden houses, shaded by blooming bougainvillea, are a hallmark of the island’s charm.

ach ben jemia

Religion adds another layer to Büyükada’s identity. The hilltop Greek Orthodox St. George Monastery, founded nearly one thousand years ago, draws crowds every spring, as Christians and Muslims alike climb the steep wooded path for pilgrimage and prayer. The Hamidiye Mosque, built by an Ottoman sultan, stands nearby with its Western-style design. Once, the world’s largest wooden orphanage—a vast, silent building—welcomed children here, and though it is now closed, its presence tells of the island’s many communities: Greek, Armenian, Jewish, and Turkish.

Modern visitors explore Büyükada by bicycle or silent electric shuttle, maintaining the island’s peaceful streets. Until two thousand twenty, horse-drawn carriages gave leisurely sightseeing tours, but concerns about the animals brought their era to an end. The waterfront is busy with ferries from both sides of Istanbul, especially in the warm months, when the population swells and sandy beaches fill with sunseekers.

Büyükada has also been a refuge for famous figures. The exiled Russian leader Leon Trotsky wrote books here in the nineteen-thirties while living in a quiet mansion. Writers and artists, diplomats and politicians—many found peace among the pine forests and gentle breezes.

Across seasons, the island’s landscape reveals its soul. Lush pine woods and low shrubs cover the hills, while elegant cypress trees pierce the blue sky. In spring, pink Judas trees bloom along the shore. The Museum of the Princes’ Islands preserves artifacts, including golden coins dating back to the father of Alexander the Great, reminding visitors of the deep roots underfoot.

Büyükada’s story has inspired countless travel writers over the years. They describe a place apart from the city’s rush—an island alive with memories and natural grace. Whether walking along winding paths, pausing at a silent monastery, or sipping tea beneath ancient trees, visitors sense the overlapping tides of history and culture that continue to shape this truly unique island.