Heybeliada, one of the Prince’s Islands, which is frequented by those who want to escape the crowds of Istanbul and be alone with nature, is in a different location from other islands with its greenery, calmness and peaceful streets.. The first striking feature of Heybeliada, which comes in second place in size after Büyükada, is the abundance of green areas.. At the same time, the island, which you can reach in a short time from Istanbul, offers pleasant views to its visitors with the image of a town that has managed to preserve the traces of the past.
As someone who has visited other islands, I can say that the atmosphere of Heybeliada is very different.. You start to feel it the moment you step onto the island.. Maybe there was a calm weather on the island because I went on weekdays.. Since this calmness is the kind that will fill us with peace, I can say that I had difficulty leaving the island.. First of all, the authentic houses and streets of the island, its structure completely covered with forests and the magnificent nature view it offers along the way are worth seeing..
If you want to witness history and be alone with nature, you should definitely spend a day here.. Well, what should we visit and see in Heybeliada? Where are the places to visit in Heybeliada?
Places to Visit in Heybeliada
There are both historical and natural beauties that you must see on the island.. If you come early, you have the chance to see many places by touring 360 degrees around the island.. Of course, as in Büyükada, you have the chance to tour with a phaeton.. Since Heybeliada has a very suitable structure for cycling, many visitors rent bicycles and tour.. You can rent a bicycle and visit many parts of the island without any problems.. However, my advice is to take a walk on the island.. You can complete a 360-degree walk around the island in about an hour.. You can come in earlier times and enjoy the must-see places by walking in a magnificent nature to many parts of the island.. Let’s share with you the places that must be visited:
1. Heybeliada Seminary
The school, which does not provide education today, is also known as the Greek Orthodox Seminary because of the teaching of theology for many years.. Foundations of school building 9. It was laid as the Aya Triada church in the century.. The church was converted into the present school in 1844.. It is accepted as one of the first academy schools opened in the Orthodox world.. With a law enacted in 1971, it was requested that all schools be connected to the state universities.. The school was closed in 1971 by the Patriarchate, which did not want to be affiliated with any university and demanded a different status.. In recent years, the school has hosted different events.
2. Aya Nikola Greek Orthodox Church (Great Greek Church)
The church, which is about 50 meters from the pier when you set foot on the island, was built in 1857 on the ruins of an old church.. The church was built with a cross plan in the east-west direction.. There are also icons of Nikolaos on the walls of the church built in the name of Nikolaos, who is considered the patron saint of sailors.
3. İsmet İnönü House Museum
A resident of the island, İsmet İnönü stayed for many years in the mansion he rented in 1924.. İsmet Pasha, who later bought the house, had a holiday on the island with his family from time to time.. The furniture items that Atatürk gifted to him in the house, which was turned into a museum for a while after his death, have been preserved until today.. In the museum, many photographs and belongings of İsmet Pasha are exhibited.. Events are held at certain times of the year in the garden behind the house.
5. Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar Museum
The house where Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar, one of the masters of Turkish Literature in the Republican Era with his works, lived between 1912-1944, was converted into a museum after his death.. Many personal belongings of Gürpınar, from his handwritten notes to his books, are exhibited in it.. You can visit the museum free of charge.
6. Heybeliada Sanatorium
The sanatorium, which was built in 1924 at Atatürk’s request in accordance with an example abroad, has served especially tuberculosis patients for many years.. The sanatorium was built right on the south of the island, on Çam Liman Bay.. A suitable treatment method was applied to the patients with sea air in a green nature away from the noise and air of the city.. However, it was closed in 2005 due to insufficient demand.
7. Terk-i Diyar Monastery
One of the places we definitely recommend you to visit on the island is the monastery called Terk-i Diyar.. The view of the monastery, which was built on a high point just at the end of Çam Harbor Bay, has a beauty that secluded monks can prefer to get away from the world.. The name Terk-i Diyar is derived from the fact that it is the place of monks who want to get away from worldly life and retreat to seclusion.. The foundations of the church were laid in 1860 by a young monk.. When the church is viewed from the outside, the structure does not resemble a church except for its dome and cross.. Inside, there are various icons in a small area.
See Also ⇒ Abandoned World Monastery
8. Çam Harbor Bay. Çam Harbor, one of the most beautiful bays in Turkey, has a view where you can find peace.. This is one of the places to swim on the island.. There is a sanatorium on the left side of the bay and Terk-i Diyar on the right.. In the researches, it has been determined that the sheep were dug for mineral explorations such as copper and gold thousands of years ago and took their current shape.
See Also ⇒ Çam Liman Bay
9. Aya Yorgi Monastery -Hagios Georgios tou Kremnou (Abyss Monastery)
It is also called the “Abyss Monastery” because it was built on a high slope in the southern part of the island.. 16 of the monastery. It is estimated that it was built towards the end of the century.. According to sources abroad, Greeks living in Istanbul took refuge in this monastery during the plague epidemic.. The monastery was badly damaged in the fire in 1882.. The icons made after the burning of many of the items housed in them belong to the Russians.
10. Değirmenburnu Recreation Area
Değirmenburnu, a place frequented by those who want to spend their spare time with a beautiful sea view and air, serves as a picnic area.. It is called by this name because of the mill located on the shore of the sea.. At the same time, the sunset is the place where the view of Burgazada and Kinaliada can be watched with great pleasure.. We recommend you to visit during the week in a quiet time so that you can have a peaceful time.
How to Get to Heybeliada?
The second largest island of the islands located opposite the shores of the Anatolian side of Istanbul Heybeliada can be reached by sea. There are ferry services from both sides of Istanbul to here.. There are many ferry services to Heybeliada from Kartal, Bostancı, Kadıköy, Kabataş, Beşiktaş and Eminönü.. There is a service every half hour especially from Kartal pier.
Other Articles That Might Interest You
Heybeliada Beaches
How to Get to Heybeliada?