The Island of Democracy and Freedoms, formerly known as Yassıada, gained a new identity by opening on May 27, 2020. This island is known for hosting important turning points in Turkish history. With the restoration works and construction of new buildings on the island, the island has become an important tourist and historical attraction center that can be easily reached from Istanbul. This island, which stands out as a symbol of the concepts of democracy and freedom, offers its visitors both a journey full of history and a peaceful environment surrounded by natural beauties.
in Istanbul Prince IslandsThis island, which belongs to , has been the scene of painful stories in the past. The island, which remained isolated for a long time and took its current form with the restoration works, is located in the Marmara Sea and very close to Istanbul. Island of Democracy and FreedomsIt can be easily reached by ferry services departing from Istanbul.
Island of Democracy and Freedoms attracts attention due to its historical importance. On the island; There are various facilities such as museums, historical buildings, libraries, open-air museums, congress center, hotel, cafe and restaurant. While this island, which is a new center of attraction for Istanbulites, offers rich options in terms of places to visit, it also has an important place with its sad history.
Information about the Island of Democracy and Freedoms
Yassiada Restoration work started in 2013 on the island known as. The name of the island, which became an attractive place for tourists, was changed to the Island of Democracy and Freedoms. The reason why this name was chosen is 27 May 1960 coupAfter the incident, the island was used for trials and a reference was made to the democracy that was damaged after this incident.
President Celal Bayar and Prime Minister Adnan Menderes 592 people, including me, were subjected to a trial process in Yassıada where justice was trampled on. Bayar was tried on charges of treason against the state and the island witnessed three executions.
History of the Island of Democracy and Freedoms
The Navy purchased this island in 1947. Construction work started on the island in 1949 and it started providing education services in 1952. Located next to the north pier during construction Bulwer’s mansion It was preserved and used as a social facility for officers and privates.
As a result of the coup of May 27, 1960, many people were tried on this island.. After the trials, the island was given back to the Navy and was used for training purposes until 1978. After the Navy left the island, the island remained empty for a long time. In 1993, Istanbul University Faculty of Fisheries was moved to the island, considering that it would provide a good working area here. However, due to transportation difficulties, the Faculty of Fisheries evacuated the island in 1995.
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Important Places on the Island of Democracy and Freedoms
Fatih Rüştü Zorlu Mosque
With the zoning decision taken in 2013, Yassıada went through a major transformation. Within the scope of this transformation, a magnificent mosque with a capacity of 1200 people was built on the island under the leadership of the Presidency. Fatih Rüştü Zorlu Mosque was built for visitors to pray and it stands out as a very spectacular structure in terms of architecture.
Museum of Democracy and Freedoms
One of the most striking innovations of the island is the Museum of Democracy and Freedoms, which was created with the arrangements made in the hall where the old Yassıada trials were held. In this section, there are wax statues of the court president Selim Başol and other members. Additionally, the trials of that period are portrayed on giant screens, offering visitors an impressive experience.
The museum also has rooms such as “Longing”, “Desperation-Hallucination”, “Silence-Suicide”, “Friends in the Lawsuit”, “The Case Continues”, “Fear of Death”. A section similar to the house where Adnan Menderes was born and where Menderes said “Enough words belong to the nation!” The expression also attracts attention in the museum.
Monument to Undelivered Letters
The Undelivered Letters Monument was erected to commemorate the victims who were tried in Yassıada after the May 27 Coup and were isolated from communicating with their families. This monument draws attention to the psychological torture of coup victims, such as losing their communication with their families and not receiving the letters they wrote. The monument was built in the form of letters and a large pen surrounded by barbed wire.
Open Air Exhibition From Darkness to Light
The Open Air Exhibition, From Darkness to Light, located at the tip of the island, draws attention to the tragedies that occurred here with the May 27 Coup. In this exhibition, words and memories from that period are exhibited and it is expected to attract the attention of history enthusiasts and individuals curious about that period. This exhibition, created to bring darkness to light, is one of the important places to visit.
Adnan Menderes Congress Center
Adnan Menderes Congress Center is located in the most remarkable place of the island. This congress center, built with a wonderful architecture to keep the memory of Adnan Menderes alive, is designed to be used both in commemoration ceremonies and different organizations with a capacity of 500 people. This center serves an important function with the aim of keeping the island alive.
Beacon of Democracy
In addition to the new buildings built on the island, the lighthouse, which has existed from past to present, also has an important place. In addition, the recreation areas created by protecting the green areas on the island offer tourists the opportunity to breathe easy.
Democracy Square
The island was reforested with landscaping and a new port was built to provide transportation via a new road. It is expected that these structures will be completed over time and shaped by the people who visit here.
Hasan Polatkan Sports Hall and 27 May Museum
This place, which was the scene of the coup trials, has been turned into a museum. Decisions extracted from the case files are exhibited at the entrance of the museum.
Island Restaurant
Visitors to the Island of Democracy and Freedoms can have a wonderful feast at the Island Restaurant after visiting places full of history and drama. The restaurant, which stands out with its view of the Marmara Sea, offers flavors from world cuisine.
Congress Hotel
Located in the most beautiful place of the island, the Congress Hotel attracts attention with its magnificent architecture and suite rooms with island views. This 123-room hotel is waiting to provide the best service to island visitors.
Streets of the Island of Democracy and Freedoms
Other structures to visit on the island include places such as the Castle structure, observation terraces, historical Byzantine cistern and dungeons, historical officer’s lodge, pier management and crisis management structure, reception structure, helipad, horizontal elevator for the disabled, restaurant, staff dormitory and administration building. The construction of new buildings while preserving the greenery is one of the most striking features of the island. Especially Adnan Menderes Congress Center and 27 May Museum are the most striking details on this piece of land.
Island of Democracy and Freedoms is an ideal place for those who want to get to know one of the turning points in Turkish history, where history and nature coexist.
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