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After Ottoman’s Empire
downfall, the Ottoman Greeks from Ayvalik moved to Greece and
Turkish citizens from Greece moved to Ayvalik. And even the Greeks
left; there are already Greek spoken residents in Ayvalik although
they are Turkish Muslims. Ayvalik is proud of their many old Greek
Houses and orthodox churches that were turned into mosques today.
Local tourists filled many of the waterside open air restaurants
during summer season or they ride a ferry across the bay to Alibey
Island which provides a more good waterside restaurants and bars. It
was named after Turkish general of the war of liberation. And it is
the largest island in the Ayvalik group of island.
The antiquity of the golden age of the Romans remains in this place.
Contrary to the Turkish custom fronting the sea, Ayvalik was purely
a Christian community just like in 1922. The neo-classical portico
of its older houses and alleys of the old town still give
distinctive quality in the surroundings of Ayvalik. Taksiyarhis
Kilisesi (church) is worth visiting. It is a 19th century building
with a very impressive interior located in the northern outskirts of
the town. There is also the Taksiyarhis Church which was built in
1873. Its center of attention is its relief showing the life of
Jesus Christ. Be sure to also visit the other nearby attraction the
Seytan Sofrasi or the Devil’s Table. It is a hill where you can
enjoy the magnificent view of Ayvalik and its bay with numerous
islands. It also offers the most beautiful sunset you will ever see
according to those you have already experienced this magnificent
nature view.
The remaining riches of Ayvalik are the Orthodox churches and
monasteries and nice seafood restaurants at the harbor which really
attracts many local and foreign tourists. Ayvalik also becomes an
important point for scuba diving because of its richness in
underwater fauna. Today, Ayvalik became one of popular holiday
resort of the country and the population of this place had reached
over 30,000 residents and much more during summer where there are
many tourists. Ayvalik is also close to Bergama which is another
significant tourist site with its vestiges going back to ancient
times. There are so many things that you can do in Ayvalik. You can
enjoy swimming on its clear water, dining on its fine restaurants or
relaxing and get the pleasure of its scenic and romantic view.
Truly, this place has so much to offer for us to discover and enjoy.
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