Yassıada, Island in Princes' Islands, Turkey
Yassıada is a flat island within the Princes' Islands archipelago near Istanbul. Its level terrain stretches across the Sea of Marmara and differs noticeably from the rolling landscape of neighboring islands.
During the Byzantine era, the island served as a prison for political captives, with four underground cells used in the 11th century. It was later used again in the 20th century as a location for significant political proceedings.
The name Yassıada means "flat island" and reflects the level terrain that sets it apart from neighboring islands. Visitors can still see remains of a Byzantine church today, showing how important this place was for religious communities.
Regular ferry services from multiple points along the Istanbul coastline provide access to the island throughout the day. The crossing gives visitors time to observe the surrounding waters and other islands in the archipelago.
Military court proceedings took place on the island during the 1960s, where former government officials were prosecuted. These trials played a pivotal role in a turbulent chapter of modern Turkish history.
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