In 1973, the Ottoman imperial princes were not allowed to go to Turkey. Since I was sure the Turks would never let us come back, I spent my vacations in Greece. Avoiding the more touristy places, I ended up in Sifnos, an island in the Cyclades. I lived on the top of a small mountain, in a disused monastery, Panaghia tou Vounou. From there, I looked accross the Aegian Sea and imagined my country
His Imperial Highness Prince Selim Djem
Prince Selim Djem
Prince Selim Djem
Prince Selim Djem
Prince Selim Djem
Prince Selim Djem
Sandpath leading to Panaghia Tou Vounou
Panaghia tou Vounou
The inner courtyard, with a view on Assimina's doorway. Assimina is the guardian of the monastery.
Assimina, the Guardian of the monastery
A tiny drinking water faucet
Inner courtyard - detail
Panaghia tou Vounou, the patio
View of the main portal and of the patio
The patio
The well at Panaghia Tou Vounou
View from the patio: the bay of Plati Yalos
Further down the steps...
Inside the Chapel of Panaghia Tou Vounou, nearly 30 years later
The inner courtyard, with a view on Assimina's doorway. Assimina is the guardian of the monastery.
Assimina, the Guardian of the monastery
A tiny drinking water faucet
Inner courtyard - detail
View of the main portal and of the patio
View from the patio: the bay of Plati Yalos
Further down the steps...