Ayvalık

Ayvalık,the place where I belong  

I don’t know how to introduce you Ayvalık. It is the most beautiful and quiet place of my country.  It is my only holiday destination in Turkey. Every summer I live in our summer house in this lovely city.

Geography

Ayvalık is a district in Turkey's Balıkesir Province on the Aegean Sea coast. It is surrounded by the hills which are covered with olive trees. It is a typical Mediterranean city situated on a coastal plein which is under the influence of the Mediterranean climate.

History of the city

In the history Ayvalık was one of the most important port cities of the ancient civilization such as Greeks and Troy. It was also an important settlement in Antiquity. The remnants were on the eastern part of the Island of Cunda or Alibey, near the sea. All the archaeological data was related to the Classical and Medieval Ages. It was conquered by Turks in 11th century.  

After the First World War it was occupied by Greeks. With Turkish Independence War the city was taken back from the Greeks. In the city there are various religious minorities.

Cunda Island

Cunda Island is the largest of a group of islands in the northwestern Aegean Sea off the coast of Ayvalık. It is the most important tourist attraction of Ayvalık. On the island there are Greek -orthodox churches and Ottoman mosques. The houses of the island represent the special architectural style of Ayvalık. With its rich architectural heritage, Ayvalık is a member of the Norwich-based European Association of Historic Towns and Regions (EAHTR)

Modern Ayvalık
Today, Ayvalık is one of the most visited holiday destinations of Turkey. In recent years Ayvalık has also become an important point of attraction for scuba divers with its underwater fauna.