Polonezkoy - Adampol

 ... For breathing outside the metropolis in the company of nature and birds, you may experience both the natural environment and culture in this unique corner of paradise, Istanbul's back garden...

Polonezkoy, formerly known as Adampol is a Polish village located in Istanbul, TURKEY... It was founded by Adam Czartoryski (Chairman of National Uprising Government and the Leader of a Political Emigration Party) in 1842.

The word "Polonez" is related with Polish in Turkish language, and "köy" means "village", which gives a meaning of "Polish Village". The former name of "Adampol" stands for the founder Adam Czartoryski

The existence of "Polonezkoy-Adampol" within Istanbul is a cultural and historical event that has never before been seen in the world. This village was established in Istanbul, Turkey after Poland was invaded by its neighbors Russia, Austria and Prussia in 1775.  The Ottoman Empire was against the idea of this invasion. The Empire supported Poland and Polish immigrants by giving them this heavenly place for settlement. Michał Czajkowski was the representative of Adam Czartoryski for the settlement. Michał Czajkowski, after converting to Islam in 1850, took the name of Mehmet Sadik Pasha. He bought forest land from the Lazarist Priests for the future establishment of the town. The emigrants from the rebellions in Poland and Hungary (1831-1863) and the Crimean War in 1853, have found a reliable environment here in Turkish lands under the wings of the Ottoman Empire. On the 18th of February 1842, there were only four inhabitants of the village, but years later the population increased to hundreds. The inhabitants also took Turkish citizenship in 1938. Eventually Polonezkoy became a tourist place and a popular holiday town. There have been many famous visitors since the establishment of the town. French Liszt in 1847, Gustave Flaubert in 1850, founder of Turkey Mustafa Kemal ATATURK, Pope 23rd Jean, former President Kenan EVREN and Polish President Lech WALESA and author Pierre Loti were some of the famous visitors. The village had a great affect on its visitors. Czech author Karel Droz says in his novel "Even this is a fairy tale, it is very real. Far away from the motherland, inside somewhere by the Anatolian hills covered with forests lies a hidden Polish village." He describes the view of the village as "a smile of a corner from heaven". Nowadays, Polonezkoy is one of the most famous villages in the world. About 80 Poles still live here and keep their own culture and history. The village is also the one and only place close to the center of Istanbul as a holiday town. People prefer to spend their weekends at Polonezkoy's Club Hotels, Pensions and taste the local food in its famous restaurants. There are many hotels, pensions, restaurants and garden barbecue places within Polonezkoy-Adampol. Polonezkoy… A brand new stairway to heaven inside Istanbul; a privilege, a life style… There are souvenir shops selling village's famous honey, jams, cherries in summer and traditional hand made items. Horses are ready to be hired for a joyful short trip. After a small walk around the village, you'd realize the village's heavenly formation. Forests of pine, oak, hornbeam, fir, and chestnut trees embrace the village and your eyes get refreshed and relaxed with each tone of the green.. Istanbul... Turkey... Polonezkoy is your pit stop taking you away from the chaotic, crowded and boring city life and purifies your soul. For all seasons you may taste Polonezkoy's charming nature and local food. Polonezkoy is very ideal for your various activities like weekend holidays, daily trips, picnics, dinners at famous restaurants, weddings, meetings, pools for the hot summer times, parties. They speak Polish with each other and carry out their fathers' religious believes without any change. Poland lives through the buildings of the village, people's life style, spare time activities and wedding ceremonies at the same time. For the ones who want to taste the nature, silence and special activities in a heavenly place for all seasons... All and more in this sweet and lovely Polish village, 20 km. nearby Istanbul; Polonezkoy-Adampol awaits you!!! Attractions and Things to Do Places to See around Polonezkoy (Adampol) include; "House of the Memory of Zofia Ryży" where the village's history and photographs are exhibited; "Częstochowa's Church" which was built during the years 1900-1914; "Polish Cemetery"; "Polonezkoy Culture House"; "Open air exhibition center of wooden carving art"; "Apiculture Museum and Souvenir Shops"; "BMX Bicycle Track" and "5 kilometer walking and jogging track" are the places of interest. Polonezkoy is one of the most popular & famous villages in the world. About 100 Polish people still live here and keep their own culture and history. The village is also the one and only place close to the center of Istanbul as a holiday town. People prefer to spend their weekends at Polonezkoy's Club Hotels, Pensions and taste the local food in its famous restaurants. There are many hotels, pensions, restaurants and garden barbecue places within Polonezkoy-Adampol. For each season you may taste Polonezkoy's charming nature and local food. Polonezkoy is very ideal for your various activities like weekend holidays, daily trips, picnics, dinners at the luxury restaurants, weddings, meetings, pools for the hot summer times, and parties... Shopping-What to Buy  Life in Polonezkoy is very active especially at the weekends. You will see local goods and Polish textile products exhibited at the center square. Souvenir shops also worth visiting. Polish style ornaments and dresses are very sweet... Polonezkoy is also famous with its organic honey, jam and honey products. There is an Apiculture Museum at the center square. It is highly recommended for the visitors... While you are on the way through Polonezkoy especially in spring times, you will see a lot of fresh vegetable and fruit stands nearby the road. It worth taking a look and buy. Also cherry, which is Polonezkoy's famous product, worth tasting and buying in June.. How to Get There The easiest and comfortable option for getting to Polonezkoy is; using the new Riva highway after the Kavacik turn of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. After the Kavacik turn, go straight ahead along the new highway, and you will see Polonezkoy signs on the way. Follow the signs and you will easily get to Polonezkoy after a 13-14 kilometers of way. You will see lots of signs on your way. Second option along the TEM highway is; Exit from TEM's "Umraniye/Sarigazi" turn. After passing Carrefour and getting to Kocatepe Cemetery, take the Cavusbasi direction from the upper passage on the right. Following the signs, you may get to Polonezkoy in 15 minutes. Third option via Beykoz is; Through Beykoz to Toygar, and then to Mahmut Sevket Pasa, and then heading south through Ucpinarlar you may get to Polonezkoy. By www.polenezkoy.com