Marmara (island)

Marmara Island ( Turkish: Marmara Adası) is the largest one of Marmara Islands, Türkiye.

Marmara (island) Halal Explorer

Although quite small by world standards, this island is second largest island of island-poor Türkiye. Its name comes from marmara in Greek (mermer in Turkish), which means “marble”, referring to the fact that island’s quarries have been used for marble extraction since ancient times. The island also gave its name to the Sea of Marmara by which it is surrounded. Island’s ancient name, on the other hand, was Prokonessos.

Marmara Island has peculiarities unique to it in the Marmara_Islands|archipelago. Firstly, it is large enough to sustain more than a couple of villages (it has four villages and two towns, all situated on its oval-shaped shoreline). It is also mountainous, with highest point reaching 709 meters at Ilyas Tepe. This mountainous geography does not allow for long beaches along the coastline. Unlike other islands in the archipelago, its large portions are covered with forests.

Island’s capital town is also called Marmara (pop. 3-4,000), situated in Southwest coast of the island. Islanders make their living by fishing and agriculture, especially olive cultivation.

Travel to Marmara (island)

Year-round boats which can accommodate cars from Tekirdağ (on the northern/European coast of the Sea of Marmara) and Erdek (on the southern/Asian coast of the Sea of Marmara). There are also pessenger-only fast ferries from Istanbul during summer months. Ferries from Tekirdağ cost 420 TL/person, while ferries from Istanbul cost 400 TL/person (or 30 TL/person on the slower ferry departing on Saturday mornings).

Get Around

On Marmara there are several shuttle van (dolmuş) operators fanning out from the capital town that serve the villages of the island. Minibus services are most frequent in the summertime and departures to the other towns/villages correspond to arriving ferryboats. In the fall/winter/spring months and these shuttle vanes receive a compensation from the local municipality to operate as school buses. Minibuses can be found at the parking lot near the jetty. In addition and there are several taxi operators which can also be used.

During summer, shuttle vanes from Marmara town to Çınarlı run every hour, while to Gündoğdu and there are three departures daily, which costs 2.190 TL pp. To Topağaç and Asmalı and there are one or two departures every day, which costs 20 TL pp one-way. Around noon/1PM and there are also buses heading for these villages. Marmara town–Saraylar line is the least frequent, with one bus departing daily.

What to see in Marmara (island)

• Open air Marble Museum in Saraylar village (situated on the northern coast), which is located in one of the quarries unused since Roman times and displaying unfinished sculptures left at where they were being chipped by Roman sculptors.
• The village of Asmalı has several old wooden Greek houses, remnants from the pre-1920s innhabitants of the island. The current residents are very friendly and would be willing to show you the interior paintings. Hand them out 20 TL in return as a courtesy.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Marmara (island)

• Rent a kayak for an hour in Marmara and have fun. The kayak rental can be found at the very western end of the town.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Marmara (island)

Marmara has several grocery stores, including those of national chains BİM, and Dia, and a local one named Mercan Market.

Near the ferry pier is a large kiosk of local handicrafts and foodstuffs.

Halal Food

Marmara has several eateries at fairly affordable prices. Tea gardens are abundant and a nice way to spend an few hours watching the sea or engaging in a conversation with a friend.

In Gündoğdu and there are two locations where one can find something to eat.

• Ocakbaşı Dürüm — This local Halal Kebabs shop is operated by Yılmaz Şenol and his wife Yeliz. They have offerings such as lahmacun, pide, wraps (dürüm), and soup.
• Zila's Internet Cafe — Cheese and Sausages paninis are available.

In Topağaç and there is an eatery similar to Ocakbaşı Dürüm in Gündoğdu.

Saraylar, same as Topagaç.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Marmara (island)

Marmara (island) - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Marmara (island), is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Marmara (island). This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Marmara (island) and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Marmara (island). The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Marmara (island). Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMarmara (island): A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Marmara (island).

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Marmara (island): A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Marmara (island), allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Marmara (island).

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Marmara (island), ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Marmara (island), enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Marmara (island) and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Marmara (island), stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Marmara (island), a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Marmara (island) without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Marmara (island) is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Marmara (island).

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Marmara (island) is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Marmara (island), please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Marmara (island) Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Most hotels (pansiyon) are located in Çınarlı village, situated on the western coast. There are also a few more in other villages, mainly in Marmara town and the capital of the island.

You may try these guesthouses in Gündoğdu:

• Özlem Tulunay Pansiyon, 130 TL a night.
• Zila Kasapoğlu Pansiyon, 130 TL a night. You may try these guesthouses in Saraylar:
• Abroz Apart Otel 1190 TL 4 person a night 200TL 6 Person a night online reservation www.abrozapart.com
• Ozman Apart Otel 1190 TL 4 person a night 200TL 6 Person a night

Telecommunications in Marmara (island)

Island’s telephone code is 266 (+90 266 when calling from out of Turkey).

Travel Next

Other islands of Marmara_Islands|Marmara Archipelago, including Avsa|Avşa, and the mainland town of Erdek. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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