Büyükada Greek Orthodox Orphanage

This completely wooden structure stands tall with six stories, making it an impressive sight on the second highest peak of Büyükada, known as İsatepe or "Jesus Hill," reaching 164 meters above sea level. Surrounded by pine trees, the building appears abandoned and worn down, with an atmosphere often compared to a haunted manor.

A Grand Vision That Changed Course

The building was constructed in the late 1800s and was originally meant to serve as a luxury hotel for travelers on the famous Orient Express. However, those plans never came to life. Instead, the Greek community repurposed the structure as an orphanage, providing a home for many children over the years.

Years of Closure and Uncertainty

After serving as an orphanage, the building was closed in 1964 amid rising tensions between Turkey and Greece, especially during the Cyprus dispute. Decades of neglect have left the wooden structure in a fragile and dangerous state, making entry both risky and officially forbidden.

Legal Battles and Hopes for Renewal

The Ecumenical Patriarchate currently holds the title to the property. Bartholomew I, often called the "Green Pope" for his environmental advocacy, has expressed a dream of restoring the building and transforming it into an international environmental research center. However, ongoing legal disputes over ownership and the massive financial investment needed for restoration have made progress slow and uncertain.