The Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum is a wooden mansion in Burgazada Island, Istanbul, where the author lived; managed by the Darusşafaka Society since 1959, the museum displays the author's letters, photographs, and personal belongings and is open to free visits.
The Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum is located in a wooden mansion on Cayir Street in Burgazada, one of Istanbul's Prince Islands. The author spent winters in Sisli while spending most of his life in this house with his mother Makbule Hanim during the summers and in his later years of illness. Following Sait Faik's death in 1954, his mother donated the house to be converted into a museum; thus, one of Turkey's most visited museum-houses opened on August 22, 1959.
The museum displays the author's high school diploma, handwritten notes, personal photographs, letters, postcards, and items from his daily life. Managed by the Darusşafaka Society since 1964, the museum remains free to visit in accordance with Sait Faik's will. This small but intimate mansion, when combined with the island's natural beauty, offers visitors a unique experience.
Guide's Note
Most visitors who come to Burgazada recommend adding this museum to their visit list. The house where Sait Faik Abasıyanık actually lived offers a modest and intimate atmosphere; visitors describe it not merely as an exhibition space but as a place where one can touch the author's daily life. The ability to eat mulberries and plums in the garden according to the season makes the visit an even more pleasant experience.
One of the most notable details of the museum is the room upstairs: Visitors can sit at the desk and chair there to write letters to the author. This small touch is noted as one of the elements that distinguishes the place from an ordinary museum.
- Exhibition content may be limited: One visitor mentions that the collection consists mainly of books and literature magazines, warning those with high expectations in advance.
- Staff attitude: At least one visitor reported that the staff inside displayed a harsh demeanor; since there are no multiple comments on this matter, it is difficult to generalize, but it can be kept in mind.
When Should You Visit?
The ideal time to visit the museum is between April and October. During these months, Burgazada comes alive with greenery and the scent of the sea; ferry services also run more frequently. If you keep in mind the visitor traffic to the island on weekends, choosing weekday mornings will provide you with a more peaceful experience. In winter months, the island becomes deserted; since the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and official holidays, we recommend planning your visit accordingly.
How to Get to Burgazada?
The only way to reach Burgazada is by ferry. You can find regular services from three different Istanbul docks: Eminonu, Kadikoy, and Bostanci. Ferries departing from Bostanci are generally faster. After arriving at the island, you can reach the museum on foot; Cayir Street is just a few minutes' walk from the dock. Since motorized vehicles are prohibited on Burgazada, renting a bicycle is also a great alternative. We recommend following the official channels of IDO or Sehir Hatlari for current ferry schedules.
The Museum's History and Collection
The mansion became his mother's home after Sait Faik's father Mehmet Faik Bey passed away in 1939. The author spent most of the last ten years of his life, as his illness progressed, here. After Sait Faik's death in 1954, his mother Makbule Hanim donated the house to be converted into a museum and it opened its doors on August 22, 1959. Since 1964, the Darusşafaka Society has undertaken the management of the museum.
The museum displays the author's high school diploma, handwritten notes, personal letters, postcards, photographs, and items from his daily life. This small-scale but exceptionally rich collection opens a sincere window into Sait Faik's world. During your visit, silence is expected to be observed and museum rules are to be followed.
Photography Spots
The wooden mansion facade, combined with Burgazada's quiet streets, offers striking shots. The museum sign at the entrance stands out as an iconic photography spot. Photographs taken from the mansion's garden side show the island's greenery as the backdrop. We recommend confirming with staff whether photos can be taken inside the museum during your visit. As you walk the island streets, traditional wooden Greek houses and sea views provide plenty of opportunities for great shots.
What to Eat in Burgazada?
Burgazada, being a peaceful island away from Istanbul's crowds, features small family-run establishments rather than large restaurants. At venues around the dock, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood. At the island's small cafes, you can take a break with tea and homemade desserts throughout the day. If you're turning your museum visit into an island tour, it's practical to bring light snacks with you; especially on weekdays, some establishments may close early.
Burgazada Day Itinerary
Take the ferry to the island early in the morning. Walk from the dock to the museum as a warm-up tour, then visit the Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum. After leaving the museum, you can take a bicycle tour or walk through the island's narrow streets. Have lunch at one of the fish restaurants around the dock. In the afternoon, climb to the top of the island to enjoy Istanbul's skyline and the surrounding islands. Allow yourself enough time to catch the evening ferry; especially on summer weekends, ferries can be crowded.
Things to Know Before Your Visit
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and on official holidays; plan your visit accordingly. For school and group tours, advance reservations are required; individual visitors do not need to make reservations. Silence is expected to be observed inside the museum. Since motorized vehicles are not allowed on Burgazada, wear comfortable walking shoes. Checking ferry schedules in advance for both arrival and departure is important to avoid getting stranded on the island. Since the museum is free, you don't have to pay any entrance fee.
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