Bozcaada: An Astounding Aegean Realm Forged by Vineyards and Time

In the heart of the Aegean Sea, just a stone’s throw from legendary Troy, lies a small Turkish gem that captures the soul of anyone who visits: Bozcaada. This charming island, once known as Tenedos, is a peaceful haven away from urban hustle, famous for its exquisite wines, crystal-clear waters, and a history as deep and captivating as the grapes that grow on its lands.
An Accessible Destination

Getting to Bozcaada is part of the adventure and the escape it offers. The most common way is to take a ferry from Geyikli, with frequent departures, especially in the summer months (May to October). If you’re coming from Istanbul, you can opt for a long-distance bus to Geyikli, a journey of approximately 5 to 7.5 hours, often coordinated with ferry schedules. For those who prefer to fly, the nearest airports are Çanakkale (CKZ) or Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO), from which you can take a bus or taxi to the Geyikli pier to catch the ferry. Once on the island, the town center is easily walkable. To explore its further reaches, you can rent bicycles, scooters, or cars, or use the convenient minibuses (dolmuş) that connect the center with the main beaches during high season.

Must-Sees on the Island of Winds

Bozcaada offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and nature:

· Bozcaada Castle: Impressive upon approaching the island, this well-preserved castle is a testament to Bozcaada’s rich and often turbulent history.

· Wineries: The island is synonymous with wine. Numerous wineries, such as Talay, Corvus, and Çamlıbağ, open their doors for tastings and tours, offering an immersion into the local winemaking tradition.

· Dreamy Beaches: Bozcaada boasts crystal-clear waters. Ayazma Plajı is one of the largest and liveliest, while Akvaryum Koyu is ideal for snorkeling. For a more serene experience, coves like Sulubahçe and Habbele are perfect.

· Magical Sunsets: Don’t miss the spectacular sunset from the Polente Lighthouse on the western tip of the island, or from Göztepe, the highest point, which offers breathtaking panoramic views.

· Exploring the Old Town: Its narrow, colorful streets are a delight to explore, featuring a fascinating mix of Greek and Turkish architecture, dotted with charming artisan shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants.

· Bozcaada Museum: An intriguing space to delve into the island’s history through objects, photographs, and maps that narrate its past.
· Ayazma Monastery: A small Orthodox monastery that comes alive in July with its traditional festival.

History Written in Stone and Wind

The history of Bozcaada, formerly known as Tenedos, is a chronicle of millennia of settlements, invasions, and shifts in power, forging its unique identity.

Origins and Legends

The first settlements are estimated to have appeared around 3000 BCE. The island features prominently in Greek mythology as the place where the Achaeans hid before assaulting Troy, leaving behind the famous Trojan Horse. This proximity to the ancient city of Troy underscores its strategic importance from time immemorial.

A Crucial Point in the Aegean

Over the centuries, Bozcaada was coveted for its strategic position. After the Achaeans, it was successively dominated by Phoenicians, Athenians, Persians, and Greeks, eventually falling under the control of Alexander the Great and, finally, the Roman Empire in 168 BCE.

With the division of the Roman Empire, it became part of the Byzantine Empire. However, its control was fiercely disputed by the maritime powers of the time: Byzantines, Genoese, and Venetians. In the 14th and 15th centuries, this struggle intensified, reaching a point where the Treaty of Turin in 1381 declared the island neutral and temporarily emptied it of inhabitants.

The Ottoman Era and the Cultural Crucible

Bozcaada was first incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1455 under Sultan Mehmed II. Although there were periods of conflict with Venice, the Ottoman presence brought greater stability, and it was during this period that the Bozcaada Castle was significantly expanded.

For centuries, the island was a true melting pot of cultures, with a notable Greek and Turkish population, whose influence is evident in the island’s architecture, traditions, and way of life.

The 20th Century and Today

The 20th century brought new challenges. Bozcaada was occupied by the Greek navy during the Balkan Wars in 1912 and played a crucial role as an Allied base during the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I. Finally, the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 returned it to the newly formed Republic of Turkey.

Today, Bozcaada is a district of Çanakkale province and a sought-after destination for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, excellent wines, and an immersion in its fascinating cultural heritage. Its ability to adapt and flourish through countless changes in power is a testament to its resilience and timeless appeal.