Istanbul’s 10th Island Becomes Visible In Satellite Images: Submerged Monastery Complex Is The New Focus Of Underwater Archeology
ISTANBUL, Turkey – A historical mystery spanning a thousand years beneath the waters of the Istanbul strait is coming to light thanks to modern technology. Vordonisi Island, which was known to have vanished beneath the sea following a major earthquake around a millennium ago, has once again become visible through new satellite scans. The news that Vordonisi Island Reappeared has quickly captured the attention of historians. This mysterious area, often referred to as the “10th of the Princes’ Islands,” is now a major discovery point for underwater archaeologists and history enthusiasts.
📜 FROM LEGEND TO REALITY: VORDONISI’S TRAGIC END
The history of Vordonisi Island dates back to the Byzantine Empire, where the island hosted an important monastery complex.
- Historical Collapse: Historical records, which referred to Vordonisi by different names such as “Monastery Rocks” or “Bostancı Sunken Island” (Bostancı Çöken Ada), state that it submerged around 1010 AD during a severe earthquake in Istanbul. This catastrophe formed the basis of local legends regarding the lost island.
- Island Location: The island is situated just off the coast of Bostancı, near the Princes’ Islands. Its existence was limited to old documents because it sank entirely beneath the water’s surface centuries ago.
🛰️ SATELLITE SCANS AND THE RE-DISCOVERY
The fact that Vordonisi Island Reappeared became apparent thanks to advancements in underwater mapping technologies.
- Silhouette Emerges: High-resolution satellite and sonar scans surprisingly revealed the island’s underwater topographical structure, including the outlines of the submerged monastery ruins and coastline. Therefore, this distinct underwater silhouette has become a major draw for underwater photographers and diving enthusiasts.
- Archaeological Significance: The possibility that important Byzantine-era structures and artifacts might have been preserved underwater offers great hope for marine archaeologists. This discovery promises to yield new data concerning the history of Istanbul.
🌊 NEW HUB FOR ARCHAEOLOGY AND DIVING
The reappearance of the island has attracted the attention of not only academic circles but also the hobby community.
- New Diving Route: Diving clubs have begun creating special routes for the Vordonisi Island Reappeared area. Underwater photographers are flocking to the region to capture images of the mysterious world of the millennium-old submerged architecture.
- Call for Protection: As a result, authorities are expected to swiftly implement measures to protect this sensitive historical heritage site from looting and to ensure controlled access until archaeological research can be completed.
Vordonisi has transformed from a legendary sunken site into a tangible gateway for exploring Istanbul’s forgotten millennium of history.
