Büyükada (Prinkipo) is experiencing a cultural revival as long-term Russian, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian visitors — many Orthodox — are revitalizing the island’s historic churches and spiritual heritage alongside its remaining Greek legacy.

Peaceful coexistence prevails despite global conflicts: Russians and Ukrainians share the island harmoniously, while Russian brides are integrating deeply into local Turkish family and neighborhood life.

Tourism profile is shifting: Russian and Iranian visitors are replacing earlier Arab tourists, adding new layers to the island’s multicultural mosaic while preserving its calm, aesthetic, and multi-faith character as a living open-air museum.

Marmara’s sapphire, Büyükada—historically known as Prinkipo—has stood throughout time as one of Istanbul’s most characteristic sanctuaries: a place where diverse cultures, languages, and faiths have peacefully coexisted. Although the Greek (Rum) population, which once made up the vast majority of the island, has departed, the soul of Prinkipo remains vibrantly alive through the stone mansions, magnificent orphanage, and imposing monasteries they left behind. While the bells of Orthodox churches still ring for services on special occasions, the clergy who guard and preserve the island continue to serve as living representatives of this deeply rooted heritage.

In recent years, however, a striking shift has been observed in Büyükada’s demographic and........

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