Burgazada is an island that can be visited in all seasons, although it is smaller than Buyukada and Heybeliada. However, the spring and summer months are the periods that host the most visitors. It is an ideal escape point for those who want to get away from the chaos of the city and be in touch with nature and history. You can visit Burgazada on a day trip or stay on the island and find yourself in an atmosphere where you can find more peace.
You will feel the Istanbul of the past in the streets of Burgazada. This island, where people of different religions live together, is one of the rare places where mosques, synagogues, and churches exist together. It is known for its cultural diversity. With all these features, there are many places to discover in Burgazada. Let's take a look together.
Aya Yani Church (İoannes Prodromos Church)
For your tour to Burgazada, we first recommend you visit Aya Yani Church, one of the most magnificent buildings on the island.
This church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It has an interesting history: On the site of this church, built by Empress Theodora, wife of Emperor Theophilos, is the cell where the famous exiled cleric Methodius was imprisoned.
The church, which was damaged during the conquest of Istanbul, was repaired in 1759 and then repaired again in 1817. However, it became unusable in the earthquake of July 10, 1894, and a new one was built in 1896. Today, Burgazada serves as a place of worship for the Greek community. Aya Yani Church is entered from the entrance on the south side. In the narthex at the entrance, there are arched doors with two columns on the right and left. From the door on the left, a narrow staircase of 11 steps leads down to a small cell. This is where Methodius was imprisoned.
From the compartment on the other side of the narthex, stairs lead to the upper floor, to the gallery that opens to the main church section. The main nave of the church is dedicated to Aghios Ioannese, the right side nave is dedicated to Hagia Paraskevi, and the left side nave is dedicated to Hagios Ayazoni. This church is an important building that sheds light on the history of Burgazada.
Now you are ready to step in and explore this historical atmosphere.
Hagia Yorgi Monastery
You have stepped into the Hagia Yorgi Monastery, this magnificent structure on the northern coast of the island. You can reach it by following Gonullu Street. The origins of this monastery may date back to the Byzantine period, but the first documents appear in the second half of the 17th century. Greek merchants in Istanbul came together to restore and rebuild this monastery, which was almost in ruins.
Today's church was built in 1897 with the donation of Simeon Sinyosoglu. The church, which was probably built faithfully to the original Byzantine architecture, is based on the Greek cross plan of medieval Byzantine architecture. Inside, there is a wall decorated with gold-embossed icons and wood carvings, and a bishop's throne made of fine woodwork. On one side of the icons is written: "By the Cretan Monk servant Joachim of our Blessed Lord in 1818". The icon wall from the 18th century belongs to the katholikon of the old monastery.
Hagia Yorgi Monastery is an important part of the island's cultural heritage with its historical and artistic value and invites its visitors to experience tranquility and a spiritual atmosphere.
Hristos Hill and Hristos Monastery
Hristos Hill (Christ Hill), also known as Bayraktepe (Flag Hill), is the highest point of the island and is one of the ideal points from which you can watch the magnificent view of Istanbul. You can reach the hill either on foot or by bike. From here, you can see the magnificent view of Heybeliada, as well as the Hristos Monastery, one of the most impressive structures of Burgazada.
Hristos Monastery was built by Emperor Basil I of Macedon on the ruins of an Ancient Greek temple. Hristos Hill, 176 meters high, is the home of this monastery and offers a unique view to its visitors. The island's few Orthodox residents celebrate the holy day with enthusiasm in Bayraktepe on August 6 every year. This traditional event is part of the island's cultural richness and is something everyone who visits should experience.
To discover these important points of Burgazada, full of natural beauty and history, you can now head towards Hristos Hill.
Burgazada Mosque
This historical mosque is one of the symbolic buildings of Burgazada and forms an important part of the cultural heritage of the island. The public's contribution to its construction and the voluntary completion of it by Angelos, a Greek journeyman from Burgazada, are just a few of the elements that make the mosque special.
This small mosque with a single minaret welcomes you with a warm atmosphere the moment you step inside. Here you will find a quiet environment where worshipers worship in peace. The wonderful views from its windows allow you to admire the natural beauty of the island.
Burgazada Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a center where the people of the island come together and social interactions occur. Visiting this mosque, which is one of the important symbols of Burgazada with its historical and cultural importance, will allow you to get to know the spirit and history of the island more closely.
Now you can step inside to spend some time in the peaceful environment of Burgazada Mosque. We are happy to welcome you here. I wish you a pleasant visit!
Sait Faik Abasiyanik Museum
This museum, located in Burgazada, where Sait Faik Abasiyanik, one of the important names of Turkish literature, spent a period of his life and spent his summers, takes its visitors on a journey into the world of the writer. After he died in 1958, the house where Sait Faik lived began to host visitors as a museum on August 22, 1959.
Here, you can come across traces, objects, letters, books, and photographs from the author's life. Princes’ Islands and especially Burgazada, which Sait Faik frequently mentions in his works, have been one of the sources of inspiration for his works. 16 of the 19 stories in his book “Last Birds” take place in Burgazada. Inside the museum, there are different rooms where you can find many details from Sait Faik's life. There is a reading room on the basement floor, a dining room and guest room on the ground floor, the author's bedroom and library on the first floor, a letter room on the second floor, and a unique sea view on the attic.
Sait Faik Abasiyanik Museum is an important point to keep the legacy of the writer, who is an important part of Turkish literature, alive and to introduce his world to visitors. By visiting here, you can feel the atmosphere in Sait Faik's works and learn more about his life.
Now, after discovering the history of Burgazada, it is time to see the delightful flavors and magnificent beaches of the island.
Our first stop is a selection of delectable restaurants and stunning beaches in the heart of Burgazada. You won't want to miss this delicious experience waiting for you.
Kalpazankaya Beach and Restaurant
Kalpazankaya Beach is one of the most popular spots in Burgazada. This beach, which you can reach by a half-hour walk or bike from the pier, is famous for its clear waters and unique sunset views. It offers a clean and peaceful environment with its stony coast and slightly wavy sea. Kalpazankaya Restaurant, located next to the beach, is famous for its delicious seafood. It's the ideal place for a romantic dinner and hosts special events such as weddings throughout the year.
Gonullu Street and Mehtap Street Kiosks
Gonullu and Mehtap Streets are a real attraction for those who want to explore the historical piece of Burgazada. These streets are full of historical mansions decorated with colorful flowers. While walking here, you can breathe in the fresh air of the island and take unforgettable souvenir photos.
Dusler Beach (Dreams Beach)
Dusler Beach, known as the hidden paradise of Burgazada, is one of the most isolated and quiet spots on the island. Reaching this beach near the cemetery can be a bit of an adventure, but the natural beauty and tranquility of this beach is worth it. This beach, which is an ideal spot to enjoy the sea, definitely deserves to be visited.
We hope you have an unforgettable experience while exploring the beauties of Burgazada!