Kinaliada – Princes’ Islands

Kinaliada is among the Princes’ Islands of Istanbul. Kinaliada Island is attracting a lot of visitors because of its beaches. The history of Kinaliada is also interesting for a lot of people as many different civilizations had taken place in the lands of Kinaliada. The name of Kinaliada comes from henna which is “kına” in Turkish. As henna leaves a red color when it does something, the island reminds of that redness because of its soil color and copper mines.

Kinaliada is the smallest island of the four Princes’ Islands. The island is about 1.356 square kilometers (130 hectares, 321 acres). It has got three main peaks:

• Cinar Tepesi, also known as Plane Tree Hill with a height of 115 meters.
• Tesrifiye Tepesi, in the center of the island and 110 meters tall,
• Manastır Tepesi, being the lowest one taking part in the south with 93 meters height.

As the island is quite small, the population of Kinaliada is really low compared to the city. The winter population of Kinaliada is roughly 1000 during winter. However, as Kinaliada is famous for its beaches, many people move to their summer houses on the island. As a result, the population of the island can reach up to 15.000 during summer.

It is significant to know that Kinaliada is warmer than other islands because it has got least forests among the Princes’ Island. If you do not want to be exposed to direct sunlight, you should not visit the island during summer.

History of Kinaliada

Kinaliada has witnessed many civilizations throughout history. The island used to be named “Proti” when it was under Byzantine power. Kinaliada had been used for different purposes, too. It was used as a place of exile when the Byzantine Empire ruled the city. The most important exile was after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 when the emperor Romanos IV Diogenes was exiled to the island. After his exile, he lived in the Metamorphosis Monastery.

Moreover, the island was also called “Armenian Island” in the 1700’ because the population of the island was mostly Armenians. As a result, you can visit one of the most important churches of Armenians on the island.

After Istanbul is conquered, Kinaliada became a part of Turkish lands.

Things You Can Do in Kinaliada

1) Enjoying the Beaches

Kinaliada is popular for its beaches. The small island has got 4 beaches that you can visit paying quite affordable prices to enjoy the sea. They are sand or rock beaches open for your visit.

2) Renting Bicycles

When you land on the island from the ferry you took, you will only see people with electrical motorbikes or people who are biking. Because the island is so small that the vehicles you will see mostly belong to the government. As a result, the island has got pure sea air that your lungs will celebrate. As a result, in Kinaliada, visitors prefer renting bikes to reach places and enjoy their ride.

Unlike other Princes’ Islands, Kinaliada does not have any public transportation options. Because Kinaliada is so small that you can walk to the opposite end of the island by only 30 minutes walk.

3) Visiting Historical Places

• Kinaliada Mosque

Kinaliada Mosque is built in 1956 on the island. What makes it different from the other mosques is the architecture of the mosque. Comparing it with the styles of the mosques in Istanbul, Kinaliada Mosque has got a modern style with its rectangular dome. Moreover, its minaret is not in one structure with the mosque unlike the classical style of mosques. Colorful glasses and modern walls make the mosque stand out on the island.

• Christos Greek Monastery

It is also known as the Monastery of the Transfiguration. It is a significant Greek Orthodox monastery that had served the community since the Byzantine Empire. The building is located on the peak called Hristo Peak, on Kinaliada Island. The peak was named after this monastery until Kinaliada became Turkish. Now the hill is called “Manastır Tepesi” which means Monastery Hill.

Christos Monastery had different uses during the Byzantine period. It was used as an exile place for the empire. As stated in the previous paragraph, the emperor of the Byzantine Empire, Romanos IV Diogenes was exiled to this monastery.

• Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church

Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church is the first and only Armenian church that was built on the Princes’ Islands. It was founded in 1857 and named after Surp Krikor Lusavoric. In 1988, the church had a great reconstruction and it remains on Kinaliada.

• Panagia Church

Panagia Church is founded in 1886 in Kinaliada. The church is dedicated to The Birth of Holy Mother (Genissa Panagia Theotokou). Every September on the 7th or 8th day, the birth of the Virgin Mary is celebrated.

4) Meeting with Gastronomy of Kinaliada

Kinaliada, like other islands, has got different food cultures compared to what you see in Istanbul. You can find regular cafes or traditional ottoman restaurants. However, commonly you will see fish restaurants. You can try different types of dishes on the island made from seafood and vegetables. In Kinaliada, you should also buy different types of jams and pickled vegetables that have been made by the people who live on the island. As life is more natural on the island, many people are interested in gardening and home-made products.

5) Having a Picnic

Being an island with a lot of beaches and a natural park, Kinaliada is a perfect option to have a picnic while watching the sea and the sky. Without traffic and crowd sound, you can have a peaceful moment that you will rest all day.

6) Walking up to Hills

Kinaliada has got three hills that you can have a perfect sight to see the landscape and other islands closeby. You can walk up to those hills to see around and exercise. Kinaliada’s hills are Cinar Hill, Tesvikiye Hill, and Christos Peak.

7 ) Shopping for Gifts

In Kinaliada, there are several gift shops that you can buy special gifts for your friends and family. They sell hand-made objects such as ceramic decoration items, jewelry, or clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kinaliada