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#Videocrux - Horse and cart, a vehicle on the Princes' Islands Horse and cart, a vehicle on the Princes' Islands
For residents of Turkey's bustling commercial capital, the antidote to urban chaos is just an hour away from Istanbul. On the Princes' Islands, just about the loudest vehicle is a horse and cart.
Horse drawn carriages, the way to get through the island
They are just a short ferry ride from Istanbul, but they are world apart. The Princes' Islands. A must-see for tourists. Nili, Israeli tourist, "I expect to see a place without cars because in Israel we don't have such a place." Indeed the islands are a step back in time, with cars banned. Horse drawn carriages are the way to get around, with 200 plying the roads. But, the journey can turn into a thrill ride.
Greek Monastery St. George, important place for pilgrims
Hakki, carriage driver, "The most difficult is in the descent. I have to make sure the horses don't slip on dung, because then we're sure to have an accident." After this ride, tourists need to go by foot or donkey up the last leg of the climb to the island's summit. But, the picture post-card perfect view of Istanbul makes the effort worth it. There is also the Greek Monastery of St. George, which is an important place for pilgrims.
Princes island, a popular spot for jet setters
Chrysostomos, monk, former director of St George Monastery, "I remember a woman who came from the very bottom of the hill on her knees, hoping her son would be healed. We have all sorts of pilgrims. Sometimes we can speak of miracles, sometimes it doesn't work." For a longtime these nine islands were a place of exile for princes before they became a popular spot for jet setters. Now, they are attracting harried city folk looking for a quick getaway from Istanbul.

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