A bridge
between two continents
THE ENVIRONS OF ISTANBUL

THE ENVIRONS OF ISTANBUL

 The Princes' lslands, an archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, were places of exile for Byzantine princes. Today during the summer months, wealthy Istanbulites escape to the coll sea breezes 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, on relax on a beach in one of the numerous coves that ring the island. The other popular islands are Kinali, Sedef, Burgaz, and Heybeliada. Regular ferry boats connect the islands with both the European and Asian shores. A faster sea bus service operates from Kabatas in the summer.

 On the European side of the Black Sea coast, 25 km from the outskirts of Istanbul, the long, broad sandy beaches of Kilyos draw crowds of Istanbul residents in the summer. The Belgrad Forest, inland from the Black Sea on the European side, is the largest forest around Istanbul. On weekends, Istanbulites drive out to its spacious shade for family picnics and barbecues. Seven ancient reservois and a number of natural springs refresh the air. The Ottoman aqueducts, of which the 16th century Moglova Aqueduct built by Sinan is the most splendid, lend a majesty to the natural surroundings. Overshadowing the entrance to Kemer Golf and Country Club is the 750 meter long Sultan Süleyman Aqueduct, also built by Sinan. It is one of the longest in Turkey. The 500 stable Equestrian Center offers trail riding.

 On the Asian side, Polonezkoy, 25 km from Istanbul, was founded in the 19th century by Polish immigrants. Istanbul residents come to its pastoral landscape for walks, horseback riding and to enjoy the traditional Polish food served by descendants of the orginal settlers.

 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. Cool cotton clothing called Sile Bezi is popular with tourists and is fashioned here.

 The Bayramoglu-Darica Bird's Paradisc and Botanic Park, 38 km from Istanbul, is a unique place to relax. Many species of birds and plants from all over the world can be seen in this huge park, which also has restaurants and a promenade for pedestrains.

 The charming fishing town of Eskihisar, southeast of Istanbul, boasts a marina where yachtsmen can moor their boats after a day out on 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.

 Many Istanbulites have summer homes near Silivri, a popular vacation area about 65 km from Istanbul. A large holiday resort, it offers sports, health, and fitness facilities, that include the Klassis Country and Golf Club, and excellent dining. The conference center attracts business people who want to escape the city's fast pace for a working holiday. A regular sea bus service connects Istanbul to Silivri.

 YACHTING
 Yachting is very popular in Istanbul. This is the only place in the world where you can enjoy the beauty of a mystical landscape while sailing back through history to Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman times, and view magnificent castles, palaces and mosques.

 From the North Sea through the European interior, yachters can sail down the European channel system and the Rhine and Danube Rivers into the Black Sea harbors and to the Istanbul Bogazi and Ýstanbul marinas - a safe and short way to come.

 Sail on the Istanbul Bosphorus under the enormous bridges spanning two continents and around the Princes Islands to their beautiful bays, where you may anchor and enjoy the serenity of the area. After enjoying all of the sights return to one of the two large marinas. Atakoy Marina with a blue flag rating is on the European side and Kalamis Marina is on the Asian side. Both offer 24-hour service. International Offshore Yacht races are held in Istanbul every summer. Moving on from Istanbul through the Sea of Marmara you come to Canakkale and the famous Dardanelles, site of an historic World War 1 campaign that sealed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as a man of destiny. Continue on into the Aegean Sea for fine cruising and end up along the golden sands of the Mediterranean.

 GOLF
 Istanbul offers lovely opporttunities for golf enthusiasts:
 The Klassis Golf and Country Club, 65 km from Istanbul in Silivri, is one of the area's largest golf clubs, with an 18 hole course and a 9-hole course.

 The Kemer Golf and Country Club, 18 km from Istanbul in the Belgrad Forest near the town of Kemerburgaz, offers a formidable test of golf skill on its 9 hole course.

 The Istanbul Golf Club in the Ayazaga district of Istanbul also has a 9-hole course.