Dragos Hill is one of the points where Prince Islands, defined as the pearl of the Marmara Sea, is seen in the most beautiful manner. The hill, which enjoys a wonderful Marmara Sea and Prince Islands scenery, is famous with its moonshine. The known history of the area, which includes Dragos Hill, goes back to 6th century. The region, which was among the important settlements of the Anatolian Side during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, is today between the district borders of Kartal and Maltepe. Interesting rumors are told about the names of Maltepe and Kartal. The name of Maltepe means treasure hill. The name, given by the Turks after the conquest of Kocaeli Peninsula, is told as being based on a legend related to Dragos Hill. In fact, the name Dragos, which means dragon, is based on an imaginary treasure located at the hill, and the dragon protecting the treasure. As for the name Kartal, it originates from a fisherman named “Kartelli”, which came to and settled in the area in the beginning of the 6th century, to fish at the coast. “Kartalimen” which was a small fishing village first, later becomes an important town, known for its port.

Dragos Creek, which lies at the foot of the hill, and which, today, is a border between two districts, was the first border point between Seljuq Turks and the Byzantine Empire. The agreement concluded between Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos and Seljuq Sultan of Rum Suleiman ibn Qutulmish in the year 1081, determines the Dragos Creek as the border between the two sides. The area, which was a deployment center between the East and the West on 11th century during the Crusades, had also a great importance during the Ottoman ear as conquest site. The region becomes to be controlled by the Ottoman State on the 15th century. The stir in the region, which used to be a small settlement, increased, upon the opening of the Haydarpaşa-Pendik Suburban Line in the year 1873.

Dragos Hill, which is interpreted as the “balcony of İstanbul”, offers a wonderful visual feast to visitors on every hour of the day. One of the points where you can enjoy this wonderful scenery is İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Dragos Social Facility, which is located at the hill, and has a very commanding view of the landscape. The facility, which is located on the coast line of the Dragos Hill, is a heaven-sent place for those who want to enjoy the sea and the nature. Dragos Social Facility which is easily accessible due to its proximity to the important transit points such as Bostancı, Kartal and Coastal Road, continues to host it guests who want to go away for a while from the daily hustle and bustle.