Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Ayvalık, Balıkesir, Turkey
The Metropolitan Church was built by the Alibey (Cunda) Island Greek Orthodox (Moschonese) congregation in 1873, on the foundations of an earlier building. At that time the predominantly Greek population of the island numbered around 8000-10,000. The church was dedicated to Taxiarches -a term referring to the archangels Gabriel and Michael- and today remains the island’s most important monument.
The church is a single-dome basilica with a rectangular plan, built in the Neo-classical style that was popular at the time. The façade reflects this style, with its triangular pediment, arched windows, and two Ionic columns and two pilasters supporting the architrave, which is made of a local type of limestone known as sarımsak taşı.
Of the two bell towers only one remains standing. The walls and door and window frames are built of the famous sarımsak taşı obtained from local quarries. Four loadbearing columns divide the naos in two, forming the north and south naves. These columns are built of brick and covered with stucco and lime plaster. The narthex runs along the west side. To the east of the narthex are the two naves and the bema, ending in three protruding apses which are reminiscent of late Byzantine church architecture. The bema apse is larger and flanked by smaller side apses. Both naves and bema have vaulted roofs that end in three semidomes. The gallery originally served as the gynaikeion, or area reserved for women to worship. The interior walls are coated with lime plaster and stucco and decorated with religious figures and floral and geometric motifs.
Epic Turkey Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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