Kınalıada, originally called “Proti” (meaning “first” in Greek), is the closest of the islands to Istanbul and it was probably this proximity to the city that led to its being attacked by pirates during the Byzantine era. Like the other islands, Kınalı served as a handy prison. After the Battle of Malazgirt (Manzikert) in 1071, the defeated Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes was held captive on this island.
At one point Kınalı was home to three important monasteries. Two of them were demolished before the conquest of Istanbul. The third, which Diogenes had built and which later served as his prison, still survives.
Beautiful Kınalıada Camii (Mosque) was built in 1964 by architects Turhan Uyaroğlu and Başar Acarlı. The dome, the triangular minarets and the glass exterior make this a rare modern mosque that stands out for its architecture. There is also an Armenian church on the island.
Should your visit happen to fall on 6 August, head straight for the Christos Monastery, where you will be met with an incredible feast of meats, rice, salads and wine and with a festival of music and dance.
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