The Islands · Yassıada
Democracy & Freedom Island (Yassıada)
The reborn islet of the 1960-coup trials — museums, a memorial complex, and its own dedicated ferry.
Key facts
- Island
- Yassıada → Democracy & Freedom Island
- Renamed
- 2013
- Known for
- 1960-coup trials · museums
- Now has
- Museums · hotel · conference hall
- Ferry
- Fri–Sun, from Karaköy/Kadıköy [VERIFY]
Yassıada — officially "Democracy and Freedom Island" (Demokrasi ve Özgürlükler Adası) since 2013 — is a small, redeveloped islet with a heavy history and a very different feel from the leafy resort islands.
A place of history
After the 1960 military coup, the overthrown government was tried on Yassıada, and Prime Minister Adnan Menderes was executed in 1961. In 2013 the island was renamed and rebuilt as a memorial-and-conference complex — it now holds a 27 May Museum (which recreates the 1960 courtroom), a Democracy and Freedoms Museum, a boutique hotel, a large conference hall, a mosque and cafés.
Visiting
Yassıada has its own dedicated ferry rather than the regular island line. As of 2025, boats ran on Friday–Sunday only (roughly departing Karaköy ~10:45 / Kadıköy ~11:10, returning ~16:30, a ~50-minute crossing), with tickets sold online in advance — verify the current schedule and prices on the official site before planning a trip.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
It's Yassıada, a small Princes' Island renamed and redeveloped in 2013. Site of the 1960-coup trials, it now holds museums (including the recreated courtroom), a hotel, a conference hall and a mosque.
Yes, but on its own dedicated ferry rather than the regular island line — reportedly Friday–Sunday, with tickets booked online in advance. Check the official site for the current schedule.
It was where Turkey's overthrown government was tried after the 1960 coup, and where Prime Minister Adnan Menderes was executed in 1961 — the reason for its museums today.
Ready for the islands?
Book a guided day trip with a boat cruise, free time on Büyükada and lunch.