Büyükada - June 2009

Büyükada is literally translated as "Big island", which is the largest among the Princes' Islands at Istanbul. You can go there from both continents with a ferry. It will take approx. 30 minutes from Bostanci (Asian side) and 1,5 hours from Eminönü (European side). The ferry trip itself is marvelous. If you have time, you can travel through the islands with the same ferry. After the last stop, they generally return back to their main station. 

I remember the day when I took these photos. I was enthusiastic about taking photos everywhere. The weather was hot and city center was too humid as well. I took my camera backpack and found myself on the way to the windy and beautiful Büyükada. 

Although I went to the island many times before, this was the first time with my camera. I wandered the island all around, taking hundreds of shots and trying different things (opening-closing the aperture, long exposures etc.). A cafe owner asked me to take pictures of his cafe and sent him. I was flattered and I did! To be honest, they are very amateur. I don't know what the owner thought when I sent him the pictures, but he never replied :)

At my half way (on the back side of the island), I had to make a decision of climbing up to Aya Yorgi (Hagios Georgios Koudonas) or taking back the road to the port. Well, since Aya Yorgi is such an important and touristic spot, I had to go. The problem was I already walked couple of km with my backpack (3-4 kg) and now had to climb a steep path. After a time, my mouth was dry, was wet like a rat and had hunger. The first 2 were not a problem at all, since there was a spring water and shade to sit. However, I couldn't buy something to eat!! I didn't had cash with me and the place didn't accept credit cards (because there was no telephone line at the top of the monastery at that time). How nice!! After resting for a while, I had to go down to the main road and find somewhere that accepts credit cards. I guess because of the lack of telephone lines, there weren't any ATM's as well. I am not totally sure after 8 years, but if I am not wrong I had to wait till I got to the front side of the island to find a place to eat :)

The trip was unexpected and full with surprises. Not only are the photos important for me, but also the trip itself with lots of stories that I remember every time when I look at one of the photos. 

The first photo was taken at front side of the island. The houses on the sea side are marvelous, old wooden mostly. All of them have their own boats in front of the house. I wanted to show this beauty from another angle.

The second photo was taken on the way back from Aya Yorgi. The famous Turkish writer Resat Nuri Güntekin was born in this house. Can you imagine what a beautiful childhood he had!! No cars (still not allowed), island life, direct sea view and sea access, trees, animals... Well, I envy him. :)

The last photo is from the top of the island, aya Yorgi. You can see Heybeliada and Burgazada from here. I like this photo. I see the sea and islands as layers, with the boat making a cross through them. Also the woman watching the scene adds a value to it. And don't forget that this was taken with a little knowledge of composition.