An island with in the Princess Islands group at Marmara Sea in Istanbul, called Buyuk Ada…
During Byzantine periods, prince and other royalty were send to exile in this island.
In history, Byzantine empresses Irene, Euphrosyne, Theophano, Zoe and Anna Dalassena were born to this small 5.36 km² island. As well as Princess Fahrelnissa Zeid , the mother of Prince Ra’ad the present claimant to Iraqi Throne.

Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery from 6th century stands stil on the hills of the island, facing Marmara Sea jeweled with dolphins and sailing yatchs.

Many fish restaurants are set by the iskele (ferry landing). It is amazingly calm and peaceful during winter and just oppositly joyfull during spring and summer. Narrow streets with colonial architecture are as pages of a novel that is stil alive and challenging.

In each corner of it, history of Byzantine, Otoman and Turkish characteristics are blended with such multicultural community.

An escape to novelty has never been such easy with a week end stay in this magical island.
Bicycles and horseback carriages are sole means of transportation which makes this piece of land a fairytale to be discovered in fresh, blossomed beaches.

Photo “Turkish Landscape – Marmara Sea” by Philippe Leroyer on Flickr