Polonezkoy, located near Beykoz, is one of the most popular tourism towns of Istanbul with its culture and climate among lush forests. Polonezköy started its life as a colonial camp by Polish villagers and continues as a nature park today. Polonezkoy is important in terms of hosting cultural motifs and lifestyles specific to both Poland and Turks. Polish history and Ottoman-Polish relations play an important role in the establishment of the village. In the 18th century, Poland, as a Catholic European state, was a buffer state against the expansion of Tsarist Russia. The occupation of Poland by Russia was considered a cause of war by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans could not prevent the division of Poland as a result of the war, but did not accept it.
Where is the Polish Ambassador?
In the formal ceremonies held at the palace, an empty seat is left for the Polish ambassador, and the sultan asks at all times during the ambassador reception ceremonies. ''Where is the Polish ambassador?'' and Grand vizier answered this question by saying that ''the Polish ambassador, has not yet come due to significant obstacles.'' This story shows us that the Ottomans never accepted the disintegration of Poland. Despite the Russian domination, the Polish people are launching various uprisings and are being suppressed. Some of the leaders who failed in the uprisings took refuge in the Ottoman Empire. In 1842, Polish politician Adam Czartoryski bought the land in order to provide shelter to the Polish people who wanted to emigrate. The village established here is called ''Adampol'', meaning Adam's Village. This is the first Polish village established outside the borders of the Polish state and occupied Poland.
Adampol becomes Polonezkoy
In the 19th century the village had a population of more than 150 people. It is known that it reached to 220 in the period when the village population was more than this. In 1908, Polonezkoy was brought to an equal position with other Turkish villages in terms of rights and duties. After gaining independence in 1918, Poland is a part of Polish immigrants in Turkey have returned to their country. All of the 200 Polish people who lived there at that time live in Polonezkoy. After the establishment of the Republic Adampol officially took the name Polonezkoy. Subsequently in 1938 the village was given to Polish immigrants citizenship of the Republic of Turkey. Today, it is known that there are 90-100 Polish peasants.
Features of Polonezkoy
In the immediate region of Polonezkoy and in Polonezkoy, the transition type climate is a mixture of Mediterranean and Black Sea climates. Since the region has a plateau structure, summers are not as hot as the Mediterranean and winters are not as rainy as the Black Sea. Polonezköy is seen as a hunting area for a long time with the presence of live life and there are daily trips from Istanbul to the region. There are also pheasant and partridge breeding station and deer roe breeding station in the nature park. Polonezkoy is home to many wild animals because of its rich vegetation. Particularly in 1960, the village was inundated with the opening of a road connecting the village with Beykoz district. Initially the village consisted of houses built in detached style with single or double storey garden of Polish origin. The rich in Istanbul also showed interest in the region, and those who bought land from the village built luxury and pooled villas.
Tourism
As a visitor to the village, the entrance and exit ranges from one thousand to five thousand daily, mainly in summer. Polonezkoy, the village is close to the city but offers a village life away from the identity of the village increases the preferability of the village. Famous guests of the village include Hungarian pianist Franz Liszt, French writer Gustave Flaubert, Czech writer Karel Droz. It is known that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk visited Polonezkoy and stayed there. There is an Atatürk House in memory of this visit. The traditional settlement pattern is preserved in the region. For visitors, there is an open-air Museum, cultural house, Zofia Ryzy Memorial House, painting and sculpture exhibitions. With its natural vegetation, wildlife, traditional houses, bicycle trails, pools, fresh air, it attracts the attention of the tourists and daytripper. Polonezkoy is an hour away from the city and stands out as a place for peaceful moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Particularly in May, June and July, the region is experiencing its most beautiful periods and is preferred by those who want to relax and enjoy the green and nature.
What to do in Polonezkoy?
• The Outdoor Museum, which consists of wooden construction sculptures, is located on Cumhuriyet Street, directly opposite the Culture House.
• It is preferred by local and foreign companies, institutions and organizations for symposiums, seminars and conferences.
• Polonezkoy Country Club, Adampol Hotel, Assos Park Hotel are considered as the main accommodation centers. Also tourist facilities; There are also hostels and tea gardens.
• Polonezkoy is among the most popular breakfast places of today. Breakfast with traditional yogurt, cheese and special fats is particularly preferred here on weekends.
