İmralı, Prison island in Sea of Marmara, Turkey.
İmralı is a rocky island located in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Bursa Province and currently functions as a high-security prison facility. The land is closed to visitors and operates under strict military oversight.
The island received its current name in the early 1300s when a regional leader named Emir Ali brought it under Ottoman control. Over the centuries, its purpose shifted from a farming and fishing settlement to its present-day role as a detention facility.
In 1913, the island contained 250 houses, schools, monasteries, and 1,200 Greek residents who specialized in fishing and onion cultivation.
The island is not accessible to tourists and flights over the area are prohibited. Visitors should check ahead regarding security restrictions and maritime regulations in the surrounding waters.
The island's highest point, Türk Tepesi, rises 217 meters above sea level and features a military installation controlling maritime movements.
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