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The Environs of
Istanbul
Buyukada Island
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The
Princes' Islands, an archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of
Marmara, were places of exile for Byzantine princes.Today,
during the summer months, Istanbul's wealthy escape to their
cool sea breezes,clear water and elegant 19th century houses.
Buyukada is the largest of the islands. Here you can enjoy a
ride in a horse-drawn phaeton (carriage) among the pine trees,
after having relaxed on a beach in one of the numerous coves
that ring the island.The other popular islands are Kinali,
Sedef, Burgaz and Heybeli. Regular ferry boats connect the
islands with both the European and Asian shores.A faster sea
bus service operates from Kabatas in the summer.
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Kilyos Beach |
On the European side of the Black Sea coast, 25 km from
the outskirts of Istanbul, Kilyos's long, broad sandy beaches
draw crowds of Istanbul residents in the summer months.
The Belgrade Forest,inland from the Black Sea on the
European side, is the largest forest around Istanbul. On
weekends Istanbulites drive out to its shade for family
picnics and barbeques Seven ancient reservoirs and a number of
natural springs refresh the air. The Ottoman aqueducts, of
which the Moglova Aqueduct built by Sinan is the most
splendid, lend a majesty to the natural surroundings.
On the Asian side, Polonezkoy, 25 km from Istanbul, was
founded in the 19th century by Polish immigrants. Istanbul
residents get away to its pastoral landscape for walks,
horseback riding and to enjoy the traditional Polish food
served by the descendants of the original settlers.
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On
the Black Sea, 70 km from Uskudar, Sile's sandy beaches, fish
restaurants and hotels make it one of the most delightful
holiday places near Istanbul. Sile bezi, cool cotton clothing,
popular with tourists, is fashioned here.
The charming fishing town of Eskihisar, southeast of
Istanbul,boasts a marina where yachtsmen can moor their boats
after a day out in the Sea of Marmara. In town, the house of
Osman Hamdi Bey, Turkey's great 19th century painter, has been
converted into a museum. Neighboring sites include the tomb of
Hannibal between Eskihisar and Gebze, and a Byzantine castle.
On the southern shore of tne Sea of Marmara, the popular
resort of Yalova has been visited since Roman times for its
thermal waters which aid in the cure of rheumatism. The baths
of the main resort a few Kilometers out of town are set in
pleasant gardens adding to the relaxing atmosphere. In the
town of Yalova itself, many inexpensive hotels and guest
houses provide comfortable accommodation. Seventeen Kilometers
west of Yalova, the relaxing resort area of Cinarcik has
lovely beaches and modern holiday complexes.
Many Istanbulites have summer homes near Silivri, the
popular vacation area about 65 km from Istanbul. A large
holiday resort, it offers everything from casinos to sporting,
health and fitness facilities to excellent dining. The
conference center attracts business people who escape the
city's hectic pace for a working holiday. A regular sea bus
service connects Istanbul to Silivri. |
Sile Beach |
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