Democracy and Freedom Island, Daily Ferry tour from Istanbul

The Remnants: After about 1.5 hours from Sirkeci and Kadıköy ferry docks, feeding the seagulls accompanied by dolphins and fish in the Bosphorus, we come to the island of Democracy and Freedoms (Yassıada), which is a turning point in Turkey's political history, and our provincial stop.

We start our island tour from Remaining Bovullar point.

Work: Only a suitcase and their unfinished lives remain from the work that symbolizes the unfinished lives of the politicians who lost their lives as a result of the May 27 Coup.

Eser (Work of Art): Symbolizing the unfinished lives of politicians who lost their lives as a result of the May 27 Coup, only a suitcase and their unfinished lives remain.

Monument to Unsent Letters:

This monument describes the psychological torture suffered by politicians who were tried due to communication isolation after the May 27 Coup. It especially symbolizes the letters that Adnan Menderes and his wife Berrin Menderes wrote to each other.

Democracy Square:

Democracy Square, the largest square on the island, offers a panoramic view of Istanbul with the silhouettes of Adnan Menderes, Hasan Polatkan and F. Rüştü Zorlu in the middle of the square.

Beacon of Democracy:

The 24-meter-high Democracy Lighthouse is one of the important symbolic structures of the island, representing respect for democracy and symbolizing the light of democracy.

Glass Terrace:

"The unique glass terrace offers a unique view that will make you feel like you are walking on water."

Henry Bulwer's Castle:

In the 19th century, the British Ambassador Henry Bulwer, who purchased the island, had the first medieval castle with a Gothic-Arabesque blend constructed, known as "Bulwer Castle." The castle has been restored and is now open for visitors.

Byzantine Dungeons:

Originally built in the 9th century as a cellar for a church commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Theophilus, later repurposed as dungeons, this structure has been restored and is open to the public.

At the Adnan Menderes Museum on Özgürlükler ve Demokrasi Adası (Yassıada), tourists will experience a journey through Turkey's political history. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits related to Adnan Menderes, a prominent figure in Turkish politics who was tried and executed on the island after the May 27 Coup.

Visitors will see personal belongings, documents, and photographs documenting Menderes's life and political career. The museum also delves into the broader context of the coup era, highlighting the struggle for democracy and freedom. Interactive displays, audiovisual presentations, and informative panels provide insight into this pivotal period in Turkey's history.

Overall, the Adnan Menderes Museum offers a compelling and educational experience for tourists interested in politics, history, and Turkish democracy.

Water Cistern:
Believed to date back to the Byzantine era, this water cistern has been restored and is currently used as an exhibition space

Fatih Rüştü Zorlu Mosque:

F. Rüştü Zorlu served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1957 to 1960. After the May 27 Coup, he was tried on this island and later executed on Imralı Island. The mosque, with its modern architecture, pays tribute to Fatih Rüştü Zorlu and commemorates his memory.

Adnan Menderes Congress Center:

Located in Democracy Square, the Congress Center boasts a multi-purpose hall with a capacity of 592 seats, capable of hosting national and international congresses at standard levels.

Admiral Sadık Altıncan Library:
Constructed by Henry Bulwer in 1864 at the highest point of the island, this building has been restored and now serves as a library.

Museum of Democracy and Freedoms

The Museum of Democracy and Freedoms explains the democratic struggles from the Late Ottoman period and the Early Republic period to the present day in a timeline, using installation artworks and today's technology.

Our exhibition, which started with the 1808 Sened-i İttifak, which is shown as the first step towards the constitution and democracy in the history of the Ottoman Empire, continues until the treacherous coup attempt by FETO on July 15, 2016.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Times are local to the experience (Europe/Istanbul).