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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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Taksiyarhis Church

Taksiyarhis Church

Namık Kemal Mahallesi, Şeref Sk., 10405 Ayvalık/Balıkesir

RELIGIONS Orthodox

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELIGIOUS SITE

DESCRIPTION
The church was built by the Greek Orthodox (Moschonese) community of Alibey (Cunda) Island in 1873 as the Church of the Metropolitan on its former foundations. The population of the island was about 8,000-10,000, with the Greek population being open. The church is attributed to the 'Taksiyarhis', ie, the Chief Angels Gabriel and Mikhail. It is still the most important coastal structure of the island. The single-domed, basilica type, rectangular plan structure is a Neo Classical architecture style commonly used during the period. The triangular pediment ornamenting the ceiling, the two pyramids with an ion-bearing architrave made of garlic stone, and two pilasters, arched windows, are characteristics that reflect this style. Only one of the two bell towers survived. In walls and knobs knitted with masonry technique, garlic stone from the famous stone quarries was used. Four carrier pillars, the naosu divides into two noses, the north and the south. Carrying columns are made of brick, covered with plaster and plaster of lime mortar. The narthex section is located in the west. In the east, the two naves and the bema were completed with three outstretched apses reminiscent of the church architecture of the late Byzantine period. The beman's apse is bigger, the side apses are smaller. Nefler and Bema are covered with vaults and finished with three half domes. The gallery was made as a women's section (Gynaikeion). The interior is covered with lime mortar plaster and plaster, decorated with religious figure figures, vegetal and geometric motifs.
HISTORICAL RELEVANCE
In 1927-1928, the church building was turned into a minaretless mosque. Meanwhile, the iconostas was dismantled and the paintings were painted on top. The building damaged in the 1944 earthquake was abandoned. The monumental building, which has suffered from time-lapse and human destruction, has been neglected and worn out. The church is succesfully restorated and opened to visit in 2014.
INTER-RELIGIOUS RELEVANCE
Cunda is an inter-religious area, containing Muslim and Christian population during 19th century. After the exchange of population between Greece and Turkey in 1924, the Greek Orthodox majority moved to Greece. Today the grandparents of the exchanged Greek people of Cunda are visiting the island and the old structures.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
The churchs and the other religious sites in this area are generally visited by tourists from many countries. The restoration of taksiyarhis church is a big achievement for common culture.
HOW TO USE WITH THE STUDENTS
The structure is a museum now in the west region of Turkey which has an easy access. the museum is well organized suitable for all visits.
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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.