Imagine Empress Theodora standing right here. It is the 6th century. She surveys her summer palace nestled in the beautiful Umuryeri Bay. This is the story of Umuryeri Koyu. It is a small inlet where the Bosphorus makes its way towards the Anatolian side of Istanbul.
Umuryeri Koyu’s Byzantine name was Herion. It lies between Selvi Burnu and Anadolukavağı. Prokopius wrote of this lovely bay. Empress Theodora had her summer palace here in the 6th century. A military port once existed on the shores of Umuryeri Koyu. The area between the bay and Anadolukavağı was a protected military zone.
Venture inland from Umuryeri Koyu. You will find the Umuryeri district in Beykoz. The waters of the bay and its surroundings are known as the Umuryeri shoal. Large ships often ran aground here. Strong currents, winds, and malfunctions caused these accidents.
Long ago, Umuryeri Koyu teemed with bluefish. A local Jewish fisherman even penned a poem about it. His words captured the essence of the bay. He spoke of Pilavkayası a rock formation between Anadolufeneri and Poyrazköy. Its name came from its resemblance to pilaf. Though rich in bluefish, the waters were treacherous. Many boats suffered damage from the waves.
The fisherman’s quatrain went like this: “Umuryeri, my dear place. Pilavkayası, God’s curse. Giving with a spoon, Taking with a ladle.” This old saying highlights the bay’s dual nature. It gives bounty but also takes away due to its dangers.
Istanbul has a long and varied past. It was once known as Byzantium. It started as a Greek colony. Later, Roman emperors settled here. The city became Constantinople. The Ottomans continued to use “Konstantiniyye”. This was their Turkish version of the name for many years. Only recently did Istanbul become the city’s official name.
Istanbul connects East and West. It is the only city in the world on two continents. Its population is over 15 million. This makes it a vibrant hub of diverse cultures.
Consider Hagia Sophia. This historic marvel has been a church, a mosque, and now a museum. The Bosphorus Bridge links Europe and Asia. It offers stunning views of the city skyline.
Umuryeri Koyu may not be as famous as these landmarks. But, it has its own story to tell. It is a story of emperors, fishermen, and the ever-changing Bosphorus.