DRAGOS

Dragos Hill is one of the points where the Prince Islands, defined as the pearl of the Marmara Sea, can be seen most beautifully. The hill, which has a magnificent view of the Marmara Sea and the Islands, is famous for its moonlight. The known history of the region where Dragos Hill is located dates back to the 6th century. The region, which was one of the important settlement centers of the Anatolian Side during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, is today between the borders of Kartal and Maltepe districts. Interesting rumors are told about the names Maltepe and Kartal. The name Maltepe means treasure hill. It is said that this name, given by the Turks after the conquest of the Kocaeli Peninsula, is based on a legend about Dragos Hill. As a matter of fact, the name Dragos, which means dragon, is based on an imaginary treasure on this hill and the dragon waiting for this treasure. The name Kartal comes from a fisherman named "Kartelli" who came and settled here to fish on the coast in the early 6th century. "Kartalimen", which was previously a small fishing village, over time became an important town known for its port. Dragos Stream, which lies at the foot of the hill and is today the border between the two districts, is the first border point between the Seljuk Turks and Byzantium. Byzantine Emperor Alexios Kommenos and Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Süleyman Shah determined the Dragos Stream as the border between the two sides with the agreement they signed in 1081. The region, which was an area of transfer between East and West during the Crusades in the 11th century, also had great importance as a field of conquest during the Ottoman period. The region came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The activity in the region, which is a small settlement, increases with the opening of the Haydarpaşa-Pendik Suburban Line in 1873. Dragos Hill, described as the "balcony of Istanbul", offers visitors a magnificent visual feast at any time of the day. One of the most commanding points where you can enjoy this unique view is the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Dragos Social Facility located on the hill. Located on the coastline of Dragos Hill, the facility is a unique place for those who want to enjoy the sea and nature. Dragos Social Facility, which is easily accessible thanks to its proximity to important crossing points such as Bostancı, Kartal and Sahil road, continues to host its guests who want to get away from the daily hustle and bustle.

References: https://istanbuluseyret.ibb.gov.tr/dragos