What if I told you Istanbul holds a secret beneath the waves? Vordonos Kayalıkları whisper tales of a forgotten island. It is a place now mostly invisible. Today we explore Vordonisi Island. Many do not even know it exists. This mysterious island attracts attention.
Vordonisi was once the tenth island of Istanbul. Now it is submerged. It disappeared during a massive earthquake about 1000 years ago. The island is located near the Küçükyalı-Bostancı coast. It sits about 700 meters offshore. Look for the second lighthouse when traveling by ferry to Büyükada. Locals call it “Çakar.” Vordonisi lies just beneath it. When sitting on the beach, a foamy patch in the sea marks Vordonisi.
Before the sea claimed it, structures stood proudly on Vordonisi. The most important building was the Vordonisi Monastery. The monk Photios built it. Photios was exiled to Vordonisi Island. Before his exile, Photios rose through the ranks. His brother married Empress Theodora’s sister. He became Patriarch of the Orthodox Greek Church.
A disagreement about icons fueled conflict. Should churches use icons? Photios said yes. The overthrown Patriarch Ignatios disagreed. Ignatios built Satyros Monastery in Küçükyalı. Events turned. Photios was dismissed and exiled to Vordonisi. Ignatios became Patriarch again. After Ignatios died, Photios returned as Patriarch. Eventually, he was exiled again. He spent his last years on Vordonisi Island.
In 1010, a powerful earthquake struck Istanbul. Vordonisi Island sank along with its inhabitants. Unlike the other Prince Islands, Vordonisi was built on an alluvial layer. The others have granite cliffs. This made Vordonisi more vulnerable.
The Fener Greek Patriarchate’s map revealed Vordonisi. Dr. Akilla Millas rediscovered it. He examined old maps. He brought the island’s story back to life. Alessandra Ricci found that Satyros Monastery had a twin on Vordonisi. Some say underground passages connected the monasteries. These were escape tunnels to the shore.
Today, efforts are underway to open Vordonisi to tourism. Maltepe Municipality leads these studies. Divers have explored the site. Pollution in the Sea of Marmara poses a challenge.
Vordonisi Island remains a captivating mystery. Its story lives on. It is a reminder of Istanbul’s hidden past. The island now rests beneath the waves. It is a testament to time’s relentless power.