Most of us know Moschonisia from Greek history. One of the most beautiful places in Asia Minor, now part of the Turkish coast. But if you type Moschonisia on the map, the search engine will bring up the name Alibey Adasi.
The Cunda is located in the Ayvalik district of Balikesir.
Book your stay now in either Ayvalik or Moschonisia and discover the beauty of the coast.
But they are best known by the name Cunda Island, as you will hear them called by locals and visitors alike. It is also a very popular and beloved summer destination, visited by many travelers from all over the world every year.
How many islands does Moschonisia consist of?
Moschonisia, which are connected to the region of Ayvalik, consists of a cluster of 26 islands, with the island of Cunda being the largest and the only one with developed infrastructure. It is also the fourth largest island in Turkey.
How will you get there? What currency will you use? What will you eat? You’ll find this and more in our article:
Ayvalik and Moschonisia: 6 Information & tips for your trip
The connection between the island of Cunda and Ayvalik is made by road over two large bridges. The first Bosphorus bridge, connecting Cunda with Dolap Island, was built in 1964. Of course, you can also reach Cunda by boat, which leaves every hour from Ayvalik.
One day is enough to explore Cunda. But if you want to visit the surrounding islands or the national park, you will need more days.
Is there life in Moschonisia?
Cunda is full of trendy cafes, great brunch and restaurants for every taste. From modern to traditional. It has very sophisticated cocktail and wine bars that are buzzing at night. So we’re sure you won’t be disappointed in Cunda if you decide to spend a few nights there.
How to go? What currency will you use? What will you eat? You’ll find all this and more in our article:
Ayvalik and Moschonisia: 6 Information & tips for your trip
You can issue a Revolut card by clicking this link here.
Walk to the promenade of Cunda
Arriving on the island, you will find the promenade, which is full of restaurants. In general, keep in mind that in Cunda, with a little care in your choices, you will eat well and very economically. The promenade is full of seafood restaurants, ice cream and souvenir shops.
But before we climb towards the mainland and the main commercial road, we will meet the trademark of the coastal road. The “Cunda Merkez”, which is everywhere decorated with the “Eyes of the Devil” to protect from the evil eye.
Tour of the Greek Settlement of Cunda
Cunda was once inhabited almost exclusively by Greeks (4471 inhabitants), with only a small percentage of Muslims (85 inhabitants). After the persecution of the Greeks and after a century, Cunda today has 3321 permanent residents. The land of Cunda preserves to this day the buildings with traditional Greek architecture, with a mixture of new buildings, which are painted in bright colors.
A total of 551 buildings of the Greek community have been restored and preserved.
With today’s picture, we can say a big thumbs up that Moschonisia has this picture today. The Cunda land is clean, all the buildings keep their traditional element and the new ones have taken care to be in full harmony with the old.
You can read also: 5 things to do in Ayvalik on one day trip from Lesvos Island
As a result, it reminds a little of a Greek island chora, a little of a city of some distant exotic destination, and all this mixed with the familiar and beloved aromas of the East.
Taxiarches Church or Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Moschonisia.
Like Aibali, Moschonisia also has its own Greek Orthodox church, which is also dedicated to Archangelos Taxiarchis. The church has been preserved and turned into a kind of folklore museum with antique objects collected from different parts of the world. The entrance fee to the museum is 20 Turkish Liras.
Taxiarches, a term referring to the archangels Michael and Gabriel.
The objects displayed in the church are mainly from the early 20th century. Antique cars, old cameras, toys, watches, jewelry and an old diving suit from the beginning of the last century.
The church was built in 1873. In 1927 it was converted into a mosque. And since any artistic representation of people or deities is forbidden in Islam, you will notice that in all the images of the saints, various features have been “erased” from their faces. The temple was severely damaged in a major earthquake in 1944 and subsequently abandoned.
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Read also about Chios Island for the sights, the beaches and the places you have to visit by clicking on this link.
For decades, this beautiful temple was left to its fate, ravaged by time and natural disasters. Until 2011, when the building was given to the Rahmi M. Koç Foundation. Rahmi Mustafa Koç is one of Turkey’s wealthiest businessmen. After visiting the Henry Ford Museum in the United States, he was inspired to create similar museums throughout Turkey with his vast collection of various collectibles.
From this link you can book your accommodation in Moschnisia. From here you can also explore a large part of the Turkish coast. the Turkish coast
The renovation was done with respect to the old glory of the church, no doubt an excellent job was done. However, the crowding of all these objects “hides” the grace and magnificent architecture of the church, which alone is enough to attract visitors. And it would be nicer if this collection were moved to another protected building.
Hill of lovers in Moschonisia.
Next, you can climb up to the “hill of lovers”. Approaching the hill, you will come across the ruined Panaya Kilisesi Church, which dates back to the 19th century. At the top of the hill there is an old stone windmill to enjoy the view and an old monastery which today has been restored with the help of Rahmi M. Koç and renamed the Sevim and Necdet Kent Library.
Ayvali and Moschonisia: A day trip to Minor Asia
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