CUNDA ISLAND (ALİBEY ISLAND)
Cunda Island (Alibey Island) which is one of the islands connected to Ayvalık, as well as embraces the sea its own unique architecture, shows itself in everywhere as embraces the sea besides its own unique architecture its reach couisine and small fishing boats that liven up the riot of colors from its cobblestone streets to the shore with the local people integrated with the spirit of the island.
According to Ahmet Yorulmaz’ s book ‘’Ayvalık’ ı Gezerken 5’’, it is belived that the name of Cunda Island is Galat from Greek Islands which is said in Piri Reis’ s Kitab-ı Bahriye. After National Liberation, the island is named as ‘’Alibey Island’’ in memory of the heroic commander Alibey who is the first resisted the emperyalist enemy. The connection of Cunda (Alibey) Island with the mainland is provided by two separate bridges. The first bosphorus bridge of Turkey which connects Cunda (Alibey) Island and Lale Island was built in 1964. Lale Island is connected to mainland by a 700m. long level crossing bridge-road which was made by filling the sea in 1817.
Taksiyarhis Church (Rahmi M. Koç Museum)
Taksiyarhis Church was built on old foundations by Greek Orthodox community in 1873 as Metropolitan (Metropol) Church. The Church is attributed to the ‘’Taksiyarhis, i.e., Chief Angels Gabriel and Michael’’. It was neglected and destroyed by people after the damage it had in the earthquake occurred in 1944.
Agia Triyada Church :
The church was open for worship till 1922, was abandoned to its own fate after the exchange. The adornments of the church where three walls is still standing have been destroyed. In the construction of the Agia Triyada Church, mainly local stones, sarımsak stone in certain parts and large block stones brought from Nasos remains in the corners were used.
Sevim and Nejdet Kent Library :
The main church of the monastery which connected to the Fener Greek Patriarchate in Istanbul during the period of Patriarch Teodosios is in the north-western part. This chapel is also an indispensable part of the monastery with its architecture. At the same time, the library which found here began to enrich as from 1835, besides religious books, with publications about 17th and 18th century church law the library became famous.
The chapel has been destroyed over time after the exchange. Remaining from the mill which was probably providing flour to the monastery that were said to be on the western side of the chapel were only the foundation stones. The mill and the church which were remained as ruined for many years, serve as Sevim and Nejdet Kent Library in the Rahmi M. Koç Museum and Culture Foundation.
