Canakkale Hotel - Bozcaada

BOZCAADA - CANAKKALE TURKEY

Bozcaada can be considered as one of the most attractive islands of Canakkale with several historical places, wonderful beaches, delicous fish dishes and famous vineyards. Bozcaada, the so called ‘Tenedos island’, takes its place on the viniculture literature with the grapes such as Karakiz (Kuntra), Karalahana and Vasilaki raised for the wine and the famous delicious Cavus grape. Evliyacelebi, the wellknown Turkish traveller had also mentioned the fame of the grapes in the Bozcaada Island stating as the most tasteful grape in elsewhere. Grape culture can be considered as the inseparable part of life in Bozcaada (Tenedos , Tenes) , which also decorates the balconies of beautiful old Greek houses on narrow streets. Every year between July 26 and 28 Vintage Festival is held in Bozcaada ( Tenedos ). The impressive view of the crystal clear waters and lovely beaches will certainly make you fall in love with the island Bozcaada. Some of the well-known beaches of the island can be stated as Ayazma cove, Sulubahce cove, and Habbeli cove.

Bozcaada is a fairly small island of Canakkale Turkey, located at the south of the Dardanelles (one of the two straits that splits Asia and Europe). The Bozcaada island was formerly called as Tenedos in the ancient times. Bozcaada has a strategic location in the Aegean Sea at the entrance of the Dardanelles Straits was ideal to guard the city of Troy just to the North. Due to the island's strategic position, Bozcaada has been occupied by several civilisations such as Greeks, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Geneose and Ottomans. The story of Bozcaada starts with the arrival of Tenes , the son of King Kyknos, to the Leukophrys island, which is renamed as Tenedos ( Tenes ‘s Island). Pelasginas are thought to be the first inhabitants of the island approximately 5000 years ago. Beginning from the ancient times the strategic location of Bozcaada, which is located at the mouth of Dardanelles, played a critical role in order to control firstly Troia and than the Dardanelles. More recently the island was used as an air base by the Allied forces in the Gallipoli Campaign of First World War (WW I).

The life in Bozcaada can be traced back to more than 500o years. Pelasginas can be considered as the first inhabitants of the island. After these first inhabitants persians, romans, byzantians, genoese and venetians also settled on the island. After 1453, the capture of Byzantium, by the ottomans, the island became a part of the Ottoman Empire.

“God created Bozcaada for those who visited there, to have a long life.” was famous Greek historian Herodot’s saying. Islanders memorize it and this sentence is the most frequently heard quote during your stay and when you leave Bozcaada you indeed agree with Herodot’s praises to Bozcaada.

Bozcaada castle can be considered as the first historical structure, which attracts your attention, when you come to the harbour. The castle have a very deep ancient history dated back to Phoenicians time with cut stones. As time passed, it was restored by the Genoese and the Venetians. After the Ottomon take over in the 15th century, Fatih Sultan Mehmet ordered the reconstruction of the Bozcaada Fort as it is remained today. This was performed by Gedik Ahmet Pasha, who is one of the commendors of Mehmet the Conqueror. Some of the other historical structures that can be worth to visit are Koprulu Mehmed Pasha Mosque, which was built in the 17th century, and the active mchurch that was remained from Venetians. While you are walking on the streets, old Greek architectural structure can be seen in all narrow streets of lovely Bozcaada. There are several small hotels in Bozcaada. Bozcaada Hotels are mainly located in the city center while some other Bozcaada hotel are located by the nice coves of the Bozcaada.