How many secrets do these small islands hold? Today we are standing in front of the Bahariye Adaları. These two small isles reside in the western reaches of the Golden Horn. They lie between the Eyüpsultan and Silahtarağa districts.
Bahariye Adaları are also known as Haliç Adaları today. These islands have a history stretching back to the Byzantine era. Back then they were frequently featured in engravings. They were called Kosmidion.
During the Ottoman period, they became known as the Bahariye Adaları. During the Tulip Era, the state’s leading officials built mansions. They also constructed summer gardens in the Bahariye district. This area became a resort. Writings from the Tulip Era describe popular boat trips around the islands.
However the Patrona Halil revolt ended the Tulip Era. The revolt damaged many Istanbul mansions including those in Bahariye. Today none of these coastal mansions or estates remain.
Despite being nearly level with the sea, the Bahariye Adaları never disappear. They remain visible year-round. In the early years of the Republic, factories filled the Golden Horn’s shores. This caused the resort character of the area to vanish. The Golden Horn’s once-praised clear waters became polluted. Some factories even used the islands as waste dumps.
In the 1990s factories were liquidated. Cleaning efforts began in the Golden Horn. Nature started to return. Fishermen released rabbits onto one of the Bahariye Adaları. Birds migrating through Istanbul began to visit the isles. Some local bird species made it their breeding ground.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality planned to develop the islands. They wanted to build social facilities after urban renovations. The plan included a bridge connecting the islands to the mainland. There were also plans for cafes and restaurants. These proposals received criticism for their potential impact on the natural environment. The project was never implemented.
One interesting story involves a mayor. He wanted to prove life could exist on the island. So he released rabbits there. The rabbits multiplied but faced limited resources. Eventually starvation and cold led to their demise. Fishermen often saw dead rabbits floating in the water.
In 2008 Meral Olcay a Yedikule Animal Shelter volunteer helped the rabbits. She brought them shelters food and water. Diseases spread among the rabbits reducing their numbers.
Interestingly one of the islands had 37 owners. This complicated any development plans. Many of these shareholders even had unknown last names.
Today the Bahariye Adaları stand as a testament to nature’s resilience. They offer a visual delight to those on the Golden Horn shores. The islands serve as a haven for birds. They provide a tranquil escape in Istanbul’s heart.