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Bozcaada Island. Photo by Gargarapalvin.

Top 10 Astonishing Facts about Bozcaada Island

Bozcaada is a Turkish island in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea.  It is located in Canakkale Province. It is also known as Tenedos, in Greek as it was formerly a Greek island.

Bozcaada is the third largest Turkish island after Imbros and Marmara, with an approximate area of 15 square miles.

It has old rustic buildings separated by cobblestoned streets. It is popular for its beautiful old vineyards and excellent wine culture, which dates back centuries.

Its white sandy beaches and cool waters are perfect for a laid-back island vacation. Here are the top 10 astonishing facts about Bozcaada.

1. It has had many names

NASA astronaut image of Bozcaada Island (Turkey) in Aegean Sea. Photo by NASA.

Its Greek name is Tenedos and is the most commonly used in Greek mythology about the island.

According to the Greek scholar Apollodorus, it was derived from the Greek hero ‘Tenes’, who ruled the island during the Trojan War.

He cites that the island was previously known as Leocophrys until Tenes became its ruler.

Other documented ancient Greek names include Calydna, Phoenice, and Lyrnessus.

Bozcaada is its Turkish name. ‘Boz’ implies a barren land and ‘ada’ means island. It became known as Bozcaada after the Ottoman Empire took control.

2. It was ceded to Turkey in 1923

During Ottoman rule, both Greeks and Turks constituted its population.  After the defeat of Greece in Anatolia, a Treaty was drawn, ending the Turkish War of Independence.

The 1923 Treaty of Lausanne ceded the island to Turkey. It however called for accommodation of the remaining Greek population in the Island’s administration. Many Greeks later emigrated from the island in the late 1970s.

3. Bozcaada Island is mentioned in the Iliad of Homer

The Iliad is an ancient Greek poem usually attributed to legendary author Homer. He also wrote the Odyssey, another epic poem.

Homer, in the Iliad, mentions that the island was captured by Greek warrior Achilles during the siege of Troy. Achilles is the main character. He also cites that Apollo was its chief deity in his time.

In the Odyssey, Homer narrates that the Greeks leaving Troy first traveled to Tenedos and offered sacrifices after winning the war.

Still, in mythology, the island has been mentioned in Virgil’s Aeneid as where the Achaeans hid their fleet to deceive the city of Troy into believing that the Trojan War was over.

4. The first coins with Greek writing were minted at Bozcaada

Greek silver coins first minted on the island. Photo by Exekias.

During the Archaic period, the very first coins with Greek writing on them were minted at Tenedos Island.

They were silver and had a double-headed ax imprinted on them. According to Aristotle, the ax symbolized a Tenedian decree, by which those found guilty of adultery would be decapitated.

The ax-head was either a religious symbol or a seal of currency. Figures of grape bunches and wine vessels would also be stamped on coins, given that the island had, and still has vineyards.

5. The Island’s later history is marred with controversy

After the Greeks ceded the island to Turkey, its Greek population faced the possibility of being expelled.

However, the Treaty of Lausanne specifically mandated the Turkish government to safeguard the rights of the minorities on the Island.

Unfortunately, Turkey violated the agreement following strained relations with Greece and wider world issues.

In 1927, a law was put in place outlawing schooling in the Greek language. Greek schools were closed. Community property held by Greeks was also appropriated and a majority of Greeks left due to the systemic discrimination faced.

In 1992, the Human Rights Watch report established that the Turkish government had violated the rights of the Greek minorities contrary to the Treaty terms.

6. Bozcaada is popular for its centuries-old wine industry

Grapes in a vineyard by Willi Stengel from

The island has always had beautiful vineyards. Its warm climate makes it perfect to grow grapes and produce wine.

 During the 1800s, over 800, 000 barrels of wine were exported annually, and it was one of the best wines in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Presently, Bozcaada is one of the major wine-producing areas in Turkey. Four native types of grape are grown.

These are Cavus, Karasakiz, Vasilaki and Karalahna. Italian and French varieties are entering the scene recently including the Cabernet Sauvignon.

In 2010, the island produced a record 5, 000 tons of wine. Any tour of the island is incomplete without a visit to the vineyards, and of course, a glass of wine in the tavernas!

7. The island has beautiful beaches

Beach at Bozcaada. Photo by Haluk Comertel.

The popularity of its wine culture and vineyards almost overshadows the island’s breathtaking beaches.

Their cold water is perfect for swimming in the hot summer. Ayazma beach is most popular owing to its beautiful white sands and great atmosphere.

It can get too busy in the high season but Akvaryum beach offers a relaxing, quiet alternative anytime.

8. It has an ancient castle

Bozcaada Citadel, Bozcaada. Photo by Vidiaman.

The Bozcaada Castle stands tall as one of the largest citadels in the region. It has been well-preserved indeed and is quite beautiful.

The castle was expanded and reconstructed over the centuries by the several civilizations that occupied the island successively.

It, therefore, bears the marks of history and architectural designs from numerous eras! Worth a visit whenever you’re in Bozcaada.

9. Films have been shot on the Island

Sunset view from Bozcaada. Photo by Glassmug29.

Bozcaada Island is one of those scenic laid back islands in its own right.

Picture the white sandy beaches, breathtaking sunset views over the sea’s horizon,  the cobblestoned streets lined up with tavernas, and old Greek houses with colorful windows, it’s an ideal site to film a fitting script.

In 2012, the Turkish film Akilli Kopek Max (Max the Smart Dog) was shot in Bozcaada. In 2013, another Turkish film, Bi Kucuk Eylul Meselesi (A Small September Affair) was filmed on the island.

10. There exist interesting Greek proverbs regarding the Island

Some of the mythical legends surrounding this island are quite something. Phrases have been derived from these by the Greeks. For example, the term ‘Tenedian advocate’ is used to refer to ruthless advocates.

 One of the striking explanations for this is that the Tenedian kings used to try lawsuits with an ax. According to Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, the king would immediately have the wrongdoer executed.

Another king had laid down a law that adulterers were to be beheaded. He even had his son beheaded!