Mada Island, the largest of 32 islands on Lake Beyşehir in Isparta, Türkiye, spans 822 hectares and was settled by Cossacks in 1866, earning it the name Cossack Island. Access requires boat rental from local boatmen.
Mada Island is the largest of the 32 islands on Lake Beyşehir. With an area of 822 hectares, it lies just 800 meters from the lake shore. Administratively, it is located within the borders of Kumluca Neighborhood of Gedikli Village, which is part of the Şarkikaraağaç district of Isparta. The highest point of the island is 1350 meters, and most of the land is covered with kermes oak, juniper, and oak trees. The remaining 800-900 decares are still cultivated.
The real story is hidden in the island's name. The island, which has been settled since the Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, was first inhabited by non-Muslim Karaman Turks, and then by Russian (Don) Cossacks in 1866. For this reason, it is also called Cossack Island. When the Cossacks left, their place was taken by Chechen families, and then by the Tartar and Ötkünlü tribes. The red sandy coastline also gave birth to its last name, "Kumluca." The Cossacks brought large boats called "Kara Kayık" (Black Boat), capable of carrying 8-10 tons of fish, contributing to the lake's fishing techniques.
Today, 150-180 people live on the island, making a living from agriculture and animal husbandry. Transportation is entirely by boat. For shopping and basic needs, residents travel to the village and district center. A large part of the island is within the Kızıldağ National Park boundaries, while the settlement area remains outside the park. The documentary "Mada," filmed in 2010 and awarded Best Documentary at the Golden Boll Film Festival, focused on the isolated life here.
Guide's Note
When to Visit Mada Island?
Summer and spring months are the most suitable period. Since transportation is by rafts and boats, weather conditions are crucial; in winter, the lake can freeze, and boat services may be interrupted. Autumn can also be attractive for lake views, but you need to contact local boatmen in advance when planning your trip.
How to Get to the Island?
Mada Island has no road connection. First, you need to reach Şarkikaraağaç district of Isparta, and from there to Gedikli Village. Access to the island from the village is only by boat, and since the shore is approximately 800 meters from the island, the journey is short. The total distance between Şarkikaraağaç center and the island is 35 km.
History and Origin of the Island's Name
The island has a settlement history dating from the Byzantine period to the Ottoman Empire. The origin of the name is debated: it is suggested to come from the Persian word 'Made', meaning 'female animal'. With the settlement of a group of 30-40 households of Russian (Don) Cossacks in 1866, the name 'Cossack Island' also became widespread. Before the Cossacks, Christian Karaman Turks are known to have lived on the island. After the Cossacks left, Chechen families, followed by the Tartar and Ötkünlü tribes, settled on the island. Due to the red sandy coastline, 'Kumluca' was added as the last name.
Island Life and Fishing Tradition
Today, 150-180 people live on the island, making a living from agriculture and animal husbandry. Apart from 800-900 decares of arable land, the remaining area is covered with kermes oak and juniper, in a semi-rocky structure. When the Russian Cossacks settled here, they brought large boats called 'Kara Kayık' (Black Boat), capable of carrying 8-10 tons of fish, to Lake Beyşehir, contributing to the fishing techniques in the region. Traces of this tradition still live on in the island's culture.
How Much Time to Spend on the Island?
Since the island is small, half a day is sufficient. If you also consider the boat trip, it is possible to go in the morning and return in the afternoon. You can walk around the island, see the water spring, and observe village life in the settlement area. For overnight stays, you need to look at accommodation options in the district center.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
The daily lives of the island residents continue with limited means, so it is important to respect this local life during your visit. Since boat transportation depends on weather conditions, clarify the return time with the boatman in advance. There may not be a market or shop on the island; it is safer to carry your own water and food supplies.
Prominent Spots for Photography
The area around the island's water spring and the sandy strip along the lake shore are interesting spots for photography. Traditional houses in the settlement area and fishing boats also offer frames reflecting the island's culture. The natural vegetation within the Kızıldağ National Park boundaries, especially in areas dense with juniper and oak trees, is suitable for wide-angle shots.
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