Prince Islands, Turkey

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Northwestern TURKEY's nine Prince Islands (Prens Adaları in the Turkish language), also known as Princes' Islands, are situated in the northwestern part of the Sea of Marmara (Marmara Denizi). These islands boast archaeological ruins dating back to the Archaic Period and Byzantine Period, hundreds and even thousands of years ago. From the west to east, the islands are Sivriada, Democracy and Freedom Island (Demokrasi ve Özgürlükler Adası), Kınalıada, Burgaz Adası, Spoon Island (Kaşik Adası), Heybeliada, Balıkçı Adası, Büyükada, and Sedef Adası.

The smallest islands - which are Balıkçı Adası, Democracy and Freedom Island, and Sivriada - are not inhabited by humans. Additionally, the picturesque landscapes of Balıkçı Adası and Sivriada are virtually untouched. Previously called Yassıada until late 2013, Democracy and Freedom Island contains a complex of derelict and dilapidated buildings, reminiscent of the 1960s trial and arrest of Prime Minister Adnan Menderes on the island. There are plans to build a democracy museum and conference center on Democracy and Freedom Island, as well as possible developments on Sivriada island.

Between Burgaz Adası and Heybeliada, Balıkçı Adası is a privately-owned island developed with a couple of noticeable piers. Büyükada is the largest island of the Prince Islands archipelago and is north of the smallest island in the bunch: Balıkçı Adası. The Prince Islands are southeast of Turkey's capital, Istanbul, and south of the following communities: Kadiköy, Kartal, Mattepe, and Pendik.