Polonezkoy

• Introduction -  Everybody knows Istanbul, its beauty and history. But not many people know about the old Polish village located just inside the city with its heavenly nature, culture and history. It is time to discover Polonezkoy, where still hundreds of Polish people live. Polonezkoy, formerly known as Adampol is a touristic Polish village located in Istanbul, TURKEY. It was founded by Adam Czartoryski in 1842. Polonezkoy-Adampol, within Istanbul is a cultural and historical event that has never before been seen in the world. Lets check out the brief history of the village.
• For having a nice weekend activity with the company of nature and history, here is one the best place in Istanbul. Polonezkoy is a brand new stairway to heaven inside Istanbul.
• Polonezkoy Cherry Festival - Traditional "Polonezkoy Cherry Festival" is annually organized in June with the participation of visitors and dancers coming from Poland. It is a unique event in Istanbul. Attractions, concerts, folk dance and many activities take place during the festival and especially at the weekends, thousands of visitors come to the village and have joyful moments. Activities take place mostly on the 2nd and 3rd weekends of June.
• What to Do - House of the Memory of Zofia Ryży, Czestochowa’s Church, Polish Cemetery, Polonezkoy Culture House, Open air exhibition center of wooden carving art and Apiculture Museum are the places to see around. - Trekking at the five kilometer track. Having a nature walk is great. - Barbecue party with the company of nature and peace. - Dinner at the luxury restaurants. - Weekend holiday at the clubs, hotels or pensions.
• Where to Stay - There are various accommodation opportunities in Polonezkoy. Country clubs, hotels or pensions. Pension tourism is very popular as well. Nowadays there are many country clubs and hotels with big gardens, and pools. For more information and details about the facilities, visit Polonezkoy Accommodation.
• For more information in three languages, visit Polonezkoy Travel Guide
  

Buyukada

•  Princes' Islands , Visit Büyükada, the popular summer resort with sandy beaches and pinewood scenery, once the pleasure island of Byzantine Princes.
• Introduction - The biggest island of all the Princess Islands is called Buyukada - it is very entertaining and worth seeing. You will probably not see many tourists there either, because it is a Turkish thing to do and many tourists think it is harder to get to than it really is. The best time to go is summer, spring and autumn. You could still go to Buyukada in winter, however it is more enjoyable if the weather is good.
  
• Where is it? Buyukada is situtaed in Marmara sea. And it is nearer to get to if you first go to Asian side of Istanbul. From Sultanahmet/Eminonu: You have to go near the sea, and go on the governmently run boats. They are called (VAPUR). You have to buy a pass in the shape of a coin outside of the boats. Where the boats are tied are called ISKELE . it will not cost much, maybe 2 dollars or 1.5 pound. You can only pay cash. If you are student ask the man in the booth student pass (OGRENCI). Ask to go to KADIKOY.  From Kadikoy neighbourhood, you can take the boats that take you to the island.
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• This is the route of the government run boats(VAPURS). The island on this photo above is at the bottom opposite to the Bostanci neighbourhood.
• When to Go: Any date between March-end of october
• Busiest Days: Sometimes in September and April (Because of Easter). Many people go to the church on top of the island, since it is a very old church, which happens to have a very nice restaurant right next to it. If you are religious, definitely go and light some candles.
• What is the Island Like? It is an island which has belonged to Greeks, Romans, and so many other civilisations for centuries. It has been the home for the most of the minority groups that lived under Turkish rule, such as the Greeks and Jews. You might find the islands biggest population is Jewish or Greek. They usually live on the island in summer, in their summer houses. You will see all the houses are big with posh gardens and nice sea views. They are so expensive to buy and lovely to look at. Another suprise about this island Buyukada, is that there are no cars allowed iohe whole island. Since it is forbidden by the government, thinking it would destroy the beauty and peacefullness of the island.
• Transportation: The main transport is either by bike, walking or by taking horse-run cars called Faytons. As soon as you come off you boat, head straight up, you will see a clock in front of you, to the left of that clock you will see the Faytons. You can take this tour to the top of the island. There is a fixed rate which will be written on a board. Again no card payments of course. Pay by cash. Many Turks take these fayton tours to reach the top of the island. However, it is a different experience, but you do not have do it . You can walk to the top instead, but if you are not so strong, taking the tour is a good option, because after eating on top of the island, and having a few beers, you will need to walk back to burn off the nice food. There are two main tours, one is called Buyuktur (Big Tour), and the other one Kucuktur (Small Tour). Take the Buyuktur, it  will take you to the top from a longer route and is most enjoyable.
• Below is a photo of a fayton:

turkey travels planner

• When you come to the last stop (Birlik Meydani), just get off and head upwards from a small road to see the church on the highest part of the island. That is an easy 30 min walk up. there will also be donkeys that can take you to the top, but i would say it is possible that is is more comfortable to walk up than riding a donkey :).

• The church is called Aigha Yorgi, it is an old orthodox church, where many people, inclulding the Turkish muslims believe your wishes come true if you walk up to the church in bare feet and pray all the way up, and donate some oil to the church. And it is believed if your wishes come true you have to come again, walking barefoot, and without looking backwards and say your thanks to the god. The church also has a well, that comes from a natural spring where you will love drinking, after walking so much. The best part comes, when you realise there is a open-air restaurant right next to it. This top part of the island is called Yucetepe.

• They serve typical turkish food , mostly mezes (Small plates of starters), and grilled turkish kebabs. It is self-service, so dont expect the somelier to appear. It is cheap as well, but however very delicious.

•  You also eat outside, in wooden tables, on the top of the island. Drink turkish beer efes, and you can see the whole city and the sea 360 degrees. Wonderfulll view , and you can also see an old monastery on the island that was closed down years ago on the  far ahead.

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• When you finish enjoying the green and blue view, just start heading downwards, and this time do not take the fayton (horse-cars), just head to your right, opposite to the direction you came from, all the streets will take you to the sea, ultimately to the place where you came off the boats. Again either take the government run boats (VAPUR), or take the private small boats. But, if you want go to one of the cafes near the boat stations (ISKELE), and drink turkish tea (cay), and play backgammon like the locals. Or even eat at one of the fish restaurants by the sea, which have tables outside.Here is a photo of some of the views from the top of the island.

• Another View

The Route to take back  (Go to Bagdad Street)

• Where to Go? Go to the Bagdad Street after finishing your day in the island. You should get to the main land back around 6 the latest in the night. Since there are not many things to do or see at night in the island. Take boat from the island that will take you to the Bostanci neighborhood, which is opposite to the island, and it is in the Asian side. 

• When you get off your boat at Bostanci, turn left. Keep walking by the sea. Walk to the direction where the cars are coming from.  After walking for exactly 10 minutes by the sea, move to the opposite street and you will see cars going only in one direction now opposite however, this is your ultimate sign u are in Bagdad Street. Just keep walking.
  
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• You will be walking in the part of Cadde, called Suadiye, if you stop being sure, again stop a young person, ask them you want to go to Cadde, especially Caddebostan area (main shops and cafes are there). The reason you will, have to see this street, is to give you an idea, that there are many different faces of istanbul. And the easiest time and way to go is after you have seen the Buyukada (ISLAND). It is more efficient for you.
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• If you become tired of walking take the minibuses in yellow colour. They stop as soon as they see you in the pavement, and tell them that you want to go either to Taksim (which is in the european part of istanbul), that is the easiest and cheapest way to cross from Asia to Europe. And from Taksim, you can go to Beyoglu. These yellow mini buses are called (DOLMUS) in Turkish. You pay your money after you get in and ask some one who is in front of you to pass it on the driver. if you are not sure about the buses, ask a young person, they will be friendly and help you.
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• If you do not take the yellow minibuses in yellow colour and ask to go to KADIKOY,  you can take a boat either to Eminonu/or Besiktas (depends on where ever you are staying.
  

• Now, do not get confused that the name of this part of Istanbul is called Asian - it is very modern, and you will see people live there are quite well off and the houses to rent or buy are far more cheaper and decent as well.

• The Bagdad Sreet in Turkish is called (Bagdad CADDESI) However, the locals will refer to the Bagdad Street just by saying CADDE. Any young person you ask, how to go to CADDE, they will be amazed of your local way of saying it. :)

• Cadde is a 15 20 km long street full of trees and nice shops and amazing cafes and bars. The cars only go in one direction, and it is full of shops from Louis Vuitton to Bulgari, and many others.

• Turkish people usually spend their days and eveninning just walking this really lond street up and down, people watching, drinking coffees.

•  And also you will see many porches and ferraris driving along the street, men and women dressed quite fashioanble and trendy.

As long as you walk towards the direction of the cars you will fine and you will not be running any risk whatsoever of getting lost. This part of Istanbul, is highly educated and will be speaking fluent english.

Where to Eat at Bagdad Street (Cadde)

• Kirinti: Kirinti is a cafe restaurant which is situate on the right hand side of CADDE. it is at Saskinbakkal neighbourhood. After you pass the traffic lights, and Marks and Spencer. Just ask any young person. The food is delicious and peaceful. Quite modern, and the menu is quite international but with touches of Turkish modifications. Very popular between the young and trendy to have a quick bite to eat before going out in the night.  Here are some photos of the place. 

Princes Islands and Asian Side