"BOZCAADA, A SMALL TURKISH ISLAND IN... " a Bozcaada Travel Page by Arkeolog

BOZCAADA: AN ISLAND FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE AEGEAN

Bozcaada is one of the best refuges for anyone who loves the Aegean with all their heart, mind and soul. It is the perfect destination for anyone who knows that the Aegean region exemplifies a traditional lifestyle with a seaside atmosphere that is full of century-old plane trees, fig trees, olive trees and vineyards stretching for miles. As the ferryboat departs from the Canakkale-Geyikli harbour and glides through the deep blue Aegean waters, the passengers begin to get excited as they approach an island that is pervaded by a dun colour. Some talk about how this island’s name comes from the dun colour of the island’s hills, while others reach for their cameras to immortalize this picture of a peaceful island resting its head on the blue waters of the Aegean. The heroes on the stage change in every conversation as each of the island’s characters takes its turn in the spotlight of this island tale. Sometimes the noble Bozcaada Castle comes and takes over, attracting curious glances. Some talk of its strength, while others speak of its magnificence. Then comes the harbour, followed by restaurants and cafes… Each of Bozcaada’s characters boldly shows up as if there is a secret competition between them as to which is the most prominent in the memories of those who love this island.

As the ferry approaches the harbour, memories begin to be replaced by talk of new things you are about to experience on Bozcaada as you unconsciously become part of the unforgettable story of this island. The shore suddenly becomes crowded as if the ferry is bringing life to the island; the streets usually become lively at this time of day. Some people are happy because they are coming home, while others thoroughly enjoy the feeling of being back again on an island they come to regularly.

The castle is certainly the best place to start your tour of Bozcaada, which was known as Tenedos in ancient times. One of the most prominent castles in the whole of the Aegean region, this structure has been attacked and has changed hands many times throughout history. Considered to be very important by the Genoese and the Venetians, the castle became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1464 together with the island. Houses and two mosques can be seen inside the castle in miniature paintings from the 19th century. Because of Bozcaada’s important location, the castle was attacked many times and often needed repairs. Repairs carried out during the reign of Mahmud II (1815) were written on an inscription that can still be seen on the castle wall. Its museum and commanding view give the castle a special place in the memories of people who visit Bozcaada. Other historical buildings on the island include Alaybey Mosque, Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque, Virgin Mary Church, Köprülü Turkish Bath, Namazgâh Fountain and the remnants of a windmill. In addition, the Bozcaada Museum of Local History is an enjoyable museum full of documents, photographs and ethnographical artefacts that will take you on a journey into Bozcaada’s past.

As you wander about on Bozcaada, you are sure to come across either a bunch of grapes or a lighthouse. Anyone who loves lighthouses will be delighted with Polente Lighthouse. As you head toward this lighthouse on the island’s western peninsula, you will be amazed at the technology of the windmills that are used to generate electricity. Boreas, the god of fierce winds, has really left his mark on this part of Bozcaada, where Aegean myths seem to be constantly blown about. Almost all visitors to Bozcaada get their picture taken in front of these wind vanes, which stand in stark contrast to the calm, delicate Polente Lighthouse that is not far off. Still, both the lighthouse and the windmills are popular subjects for photography buffs. It would not be an exaggeration to say that one of the most popular traditions in recent years is to say goodbye to the sun’s rays as they strike the other side of the Aegean while drinking a glass of local Bozcaada wine. After your tour of the lighthouse, the incomparable views of the Aegean Sea, the lighthouses and wind vanes will be etched in your memory, while your heart and mind will treasure the sharp smell of thyme until you can come back again…