He bought some forest area from the Lazarist Priests for the future establishment of the town. The emigrants from the rebellions at Poland and Hungary (1831-1863) and during the Crimean War in 1853, have found a reliable environment here in Turkish lands under the wings of Ottoman Empire. At the beginning in 18th of February 1842, there were only 4 inhabitants at the village but years by years after more emigration population increased to hundreds. The inhabitants also took the Turkish citizenship in 1938.

Polonezkoy became touristic place and popular holiday town years by years. There had been many famous worldwide 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, author Pierre Loti was some of them. Village had a great affect to its visitors. Czech author Karel Droz says in his novel that "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." And also 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 1000 Polish people still live and keep their own culture and history. Village is also the one and only place very close to center 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 at Polonezkoy-Adampol.

Polonezkoy… A brand new stairway to heaven inside Istanbul; a privilege, a life style…

Photos by Akgun AKOVA

Polonezköy is a unique village with its success in protecting its green nature and environment around Istanbul… While you were passing through the roads surrounded with pine trees and green lands, you suddenly feel your soul purified from the crowdedness, noise and chaos of Istanbul. At the entrance of the village, its church and the Catholic cemetery welcomes you. About 100 meters ahead you arrive to the village's small square full of roses and flowers. There you may have a tea or coffee break and enjoy the nature. You also may find small 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..."

Places of Interest

"House of the Memory of Zofia Ryży" where exhibited the village's history and photographs; "Częstochowa's Church" which was built between the years 1900-1914 and renewed in 1918; "Polish Cemetery"; "Adampol-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"; "Restaurants and facilities with all kind of local food and drinks, barbecue parties, special polish pies, liquors and sweets" are the places of interest.

Accommodation

There are various accommodation opportunities in Polonezkoy. You may find country clubs, hotels or pensions and enjoy your weekends and holidays. The houses of the village are surrounded with sweat traditional fences and high trees. Entrances are full of special roses named "yediveren" and heavenly flowers... Pension tourism is popular and village's first development progress since 1900. Nowadays there are many country clubs and hotels with big gardens, pools and presents different activities.

Polonezkoy-Adampol Cherry Festival

Traditional "Polonezkoy Cherry Festival" is being organized annualy in June with the participation of politicians, local dancers and visitors coming from Poland. It is a unique event in Istanbul. Parties, cultural organizations, concerts, folk dancing and many activities take place during the festival and especially at weekends many visitors came to the village and have joyful moments. Most activities take place on the 2nd and 3rd weekends of June.

You may also enjoy the Turkey's first approved BMX Bicycle Track with your colleagues.  5 kilometer Trekking Track will also take you away from the world and give health, peace and a slim body ;)

Polonezkoy today in Turkish lands, have kept the Polish culture alive for more than 150 years. Although Adampols are very faithful Turkish citizens, they also feel themselves as real Polish people. 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!!!