Ayvalik

Ayvalik is a touristic heaven waiting to be discovered with its olive and pine forests that embrace the sea, its interlaced, magnificent bays, 24 islands of all shapes and sizes, its architectural structures that resemble an open air museum and its enchanting underwater world...

If you wish to spend some quiet and quality time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and reunite with nature, you will find more than what you're looking for in Ayvalik.

You can enjoy the sea and sun in Sanmsakh, one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey and experience an unforgettable sunset at }eytan Sofrasi. While wondering around the history filled Cunda (Alibey) island, you might feel as if you are in Venice or the magnificent streets of Byzantium. If you are a fan of diving, you can discover the mysterious underwater world filled with coral reefs at the 60 diving points in Ayvalik. In short, whatever your idea of a vacation is, Ayvalik greets you with all its hospitality. All you have to do is take your camera and set out...

A Journey into the History

The first settlers in Ayvahk, which wns km and Kydonia throughout history, war I hr /I that emigrated from the Greek Islands rslul islands on Edremit Bay.
Ayvallk and its vicinity were In the pawn during 330-30 B.C, the Romans dm Ilia 10II Byzantium Empire between 395-1433 A H The known history of Ayvahk dates bat k who lived in neighboring islands first fled to kiiln after pirate attacks and then went to live In k. after attacks continued. Piracy ended a/tn k Lesbos Island and the people in neighboring IsI Ayvahk and Cunda Island after it was safe uu used to make their living by fishing, developr trade and made Ayvalik a full blown city.

The development that started in the 18th century is associated with a priest named ikonomou. Ayvalik becomes autonomous in 1773 after his close relationship with Ottoman pasha Cezayirli Hasan Pa$a. After this date the city prospers and this economic and social prosperity is reflected in its architecture. Consulates are established on all city ports after the Kuguk Kaynarca Pact in 1774. Development continues; olive oil and soap factories are built and export begins. 600 trade ships dock at the port every year. With this, academics, religious figures, missionaries, consulates and artists start coming to the city and it becomes one of the most famous settlements in the Mediterranean. The academy which opens in 1803 becomes the most important academy in Western Anatolia. The city becomes a huge settlement inl889 with its 20 thousand population, 22 olive oil factories, 30 soap factories, 80 mills, 6 apothecaries, 11 neighborhoods, 11 churches, 6 schools and 4607 houses. During the great exchange after the establishment of the Turkish Republic, people living in Ayvalik are sent to live in the Greek Islands and the Turks living there are sent to Ayvalik.