Kınalıada, Mediterranean island in Sea of Marmara, Turkey
Kınalıada is an inhabited island in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul and part of the Princes' Islands. The island features rolling hills, scattered restaurants and shops, alongside several churches and a mosque.
In the Byzantine era, the island served as an exile destination for high-ranking prisoners and disfavored court figures. It held strategic importance as a remote place of banishment for prominent members of the imperial court.
The island is dotted with grand summer villas from the Ottoman period alongside Victorian houses that dot the hillsides. These buildings tell the story of wealthy families who came here to escape city life.
The island is easily reached by regular ferries from Istanbul's mainland and sits just a short boat ride away. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since paths climb over hills and some trails remain unpaved.
The island's name comes from the reddish soil color, which resulted from earlier iron and copper mining operations. This mineral-rich earth remains visible as a trace of the region's past mining activity.
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