Greek Quarter

Last updated on September 23, 2024.

The Greek Quarter of Bozcaada Town was once home to a thriving Greek population. Most fled from discrimination by the Turkish government in the 1960s. Once numbering almost 2,000, there are only about 20 Greeks that still call Tenedos “home”.

The Streets

In the Greek Quarter, you’ll find several homes and streets covered with vines. It’s quite atmospheric walking through the streets lined with tables. The majority of the restaurants and restored guesthouses are located there.

Wander through the streets and climb up to the back of the neighborhood and you’ll see all kinds of interesting restored homes along the way. Many of them differ architecturally from the homes found in the Turkish Quarter.

Church

The church, Kimisis Theotokou, was built in 1869. It’s the only church in service to the remaining Greeks who still live on the island. The Turkish government funded the restoration of the crumbling bell tower in 2006. The church is only open on Sunday mornings for worship at 8am.

Museum

There’s a private museum in a small stone building run by a Turkish resident of Bozcaada, Hakan Gürüney. The Bozcaada Museum (Bozcaada Müzesi), which opened in 2005, tells the history of the island from the perspectives of the locals. There are several artifacts and photos from both the Turkish and Greek residents, but most of the stories told are about the prominent Greek citizens who once lived on the island. It’s a very moving exhibit and I felt it was a fitting tribute to the Greek population.

In fact, the museum was recognized by UNESCO in 2013 for “introducing the Greek culture in the best way possible outside of Greece and helping to spread the culture of peace among Turks and Greeks”. The museum is open during the tourist season from 10am to 7pm and admission is 100₺ (as of September 2024).