CUNDA ISLAND AYVALIK - MY HEART STAYED IN THE AEGEAN #1

Cunda Island is one of the 22 large and small islands located in the Ayvalık bay and called the Ayvalık Islands. Cunda, which is the only island open to settlement among these 22 islands, which are connected to the Ayvalık district of Balikesir, is the fourth largest island in Turkey after Gökçeada, Bozcaada and Uzunada in the Aegean Sea. Cunda Island, which is a favorite of local tourism, is known for its delicious fish restaurants serving olive oil appetizers, especially on the coastline.
Cunda Island, also known as Alibey Island, is located at the intersection of sea routes in Western Anatolia. The first bridge to Cunda, whose connection to Ayvalık is provided by two separate bridges, was built in 1964 in the Dolap Boğazı area. This bridge, which connects Cunda and Lale Islands, is also the first Bosphorus bridge in Turkey. Tulip Island is connected to the mainland by a 700-meter at-grade bridge-road built in 1817 by filling the sea.
Cunda Island, which was taken under protection due to its natural beauties and historical structures and accepted as a natural and historical site in 1976, has many churches and monasteries from the Greek Orthodox community before the population exchange.
Cunda Island and its surroundings were known as Ekatonisos by Herodotus before Christ. The geographer Strabo, on the other hand, says of Cunda, "Ekatos is none other than Apollo and is a highly blessed god." Then the region began to be called Moshonisia. There are also two thoughts for the name Moshos; One is that it was inspired by the fragrances emanating from the plants in the region, and the other is that this name was taken from a pirate named Moshos, who lived in the local islands in ancient times.
Cunda, with its new name Alibey Island, Moshonisia, Fragrant Island, today's name of the island was given to Lieutenant Colonel Ali Çetinkaya, the commander of the first unit that did not surrender to the Greeks during the War of Independence and started an armed struggle.
Greeks have lived on the island for a long time. In the past, the Greeks have lived here under the roof of different states for centuries. As you know, in the disintegration process of the Ottoman Empire, after the independence of Greece, the rebellion was not missing in these regions. With the proclamation of the Republic, these rebellions ended in the 1924 Population Exchange. After the Turkey-Greece population exchange, Muslim Turks who migrated from the islands of Crete and Lesbos were settled on the island. The Turks, who were brought from the exchange to the present day, continued to live in these lands. Due to the Greek influence in Cunda's history, that Greek atmosphere is felt both in the eating and drinking culture of the island and in its streets.
Such is the brief history of the island. When you understand the history, I think it is more enjoyable to visit the places to visit. At least you have a better understanding of who lives where.
Cunda, the address of peace, nature, history and vacation, fascinates every visitor with its unique unspoilt texture. Cunda Island, the apple of the eye of Ayvalık, its colorful culture, historical houses of garlic, Taksiyarhis, Agios Yannis and Panaya Churches that form its historical texture, fine sandy beaches. It is a corner of paradise with its blue flagged paradise beaches, restaurants serving the most delicious tastes of the Aegean, natural beauties and deep blue sea.
Cunda, one of the most beautiful holiday resorts to be seen in the North Aegean, is the pearl of the Aegean with its natural and historical beauties, rich culinary culture and sea and sun tourism.
Cunda, the charming island of Balikesir's Ayvalık district, is one of the best places to enjoy Ayvalık with its delicious fish. It is a perfect holiday destination with its unique texture, historical Greek houses, narrow cobblestone streets, various appetizers and blue flag beaches.
Visit the Saturday market, which has turned into a festive area where you can find the best of fresh herbs, basket cheeses with thyme, Ayvalık olives, fruits and vegetables. Have your breakfast with Ayvalık toast special for Ayvalık and Cunda, which is made with special flour and made with plenty of ingredients such as sausage, sausage, cheddar and pickles.
Fresh seafood, legendary olive oil, island cuisine fed by Turkish and Greek cultures for centuries, and more than one hundred and fifty different appetizers from Ayvalık and its environs is a miracle of taste that leaves the visitors hungry.
When talking about shopping in Cunda, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, olive and olive oil and olive oil soaps. However, for those who cannot give up on Ayvalık toast, you can buy special Ayvalık toast bread, curd cookies, local herbs, fresh fruits and vegetables, handcrafted rag dolls, various embroidered writings, jewelry and accessories, and authentic textile products.
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