Exploring Buyukdereh
From Kir etch Burnu (Lime Point), a promontory just beyond Therapia, the first view of the Black Sea is obtained. This place, called Glethra (‘ key ’), was regarded by the ancients as the key to the Black Sea.
Explanation: Lime Point, beyond Therapia, offers the first glimpse of the Black Sea. Known as Glethra, meaning ‘key,’ it was historically considered the gateway to the Black Sea.
Buyukdereh – Ambassadors’ Retreat and Villas
The steamer does not call here Journeying into Asia, but crosses a deep bay, whence there is a good view of the Aqueducts, and arrives at Buyukclereh, where are the summer residences of the Spanish and Bussian ambassadors, and several fine villas belonging to wealthy inhabitants of Constantinople.
The steamer doesn’t stop, but as it crosses a deep bay, one can admire the Aqueducts. The destination is Buyukdereh, housing the summer residences of the Spanish and Russian ambassadors, along with elegant villas owned by wealthy Constantinople residents.
Yedl Kardash (Seven Brothers) – A Historical Site
The cluster of old plane-trees near the village is called Yedl Kardash (Seven Brothers) by the Turks; here tradition states that Godfrey de Bouillon encamped in 1096 A.D., but this is contrary to the statement of Anna Comnena, the historian princess, who, however, says that Count Raoul and other Crusaders encamped in this neighbourhood.
Near the village is Yedl Kardash (Seven Brothers) Istanbul Cultural Tours, a grove of ancient plane-trees. Legend claims it as the site where Godfrey de Bouillon camped in 1096 A.D., although historical records contradict this. According to Anna Comnena, Count Raoul and other Crusaders encamped here.
Hotels and Amenities
Hotels—Hotel Univers, near the Russian Embassy, and Hotel Belle Yue. There are plenty of good boats, caiques, riding horses, and carriages for hire at both Therapia and Buyukdereh landing – stages.
Accommodations include Hotel Univers near the Russian Embassy and Hotel Belle Yue. Both Therapia and Buyukdereh landing-stages offer various services such as boat rentals, caiques, riding horses, and carriages.
Excursion Opportunities
Text: Excursions may be made to the Forest of Belgrade, the Giant’s Mountain, and to the Genoese Castle.
Explanation: Explore the Forest of Belgrade, Giant’s Mountain, and the Genoese Castle through available excursions.
Aqueducts and the Forest of Belgrade – Historical Marvels
The aqueducts seen from the steamer when nearing Buyukdereh are the work of several successive Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans. The Forest of Belgrade, covering an area of some 15 to 20 miles, is the only one on the European shore of the Bosporus, and is preserved untouched by the axe to attract rain.
The aqueducts, crafted by Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans, are visible from the steamer approaching Buyukdereh. The Forest of Belgrade, unique on the European Bosporus shore, is carefully preserved to encourage rainfall.
