The janissary village of the Ottoman period, Küçükköy is one of the most remarkable settlements of our country today.. The reason why its name has been mentioned together with Ayvalık in recent years and it frequently appears in magazines or various internet channels is the great change experienced with the smart village movement that started in Küçükköy.. In fact, it is more correct to say transformation; because Küçükköy, which no one wanted to visit in time and hesitated to even pass by, is now home to features that can set an example for every region and every country with its smart village project works. This movement, which started with the relocation of the city, gave Küçükköy a brand new identity.. It was up to us to go and visit; If you are ready, we are starting to tell about Yeniçarohori, the art village of our country!
WHERE IS KÜÇÜKKÖY YENİÇAROHORI
Formerly a village, Yeniçarohori, which was a town in 1970, is located 7 km from Ayvalık, a district of Balikesir.. It can be reached by car in 10 minutes from Ayvalık center, 20 minutes from Gömeç, half an hour from Cunda Island, 40 minutes from Burhaniye and 50 minutes from Edremit.
ABOUT KÜÇÜKKÖY YENİÇAROHORİ: HISTORY OF YENİÇAROHORI
Yeniçarohori, actually the old name of Küçükköy. Yeniçarohori, which means the place of the Janissaries, is a name given by the Greeks as a result of the temporary placement of the Janissaries here in order to suppress the rebellions that broke out in the 1400s after the capture of the island of Lesbos during the Ottoman Period.. Yeniçarohori, where the Greeks began to live in time, turned into a Bosnian village with the change made during the population exchange; However, after a while, Bosnians left this village for various reasons, some of them went to various parts of Ayvalık, and some of them returned to their hometowns.. The abandoned village has also turned into a lost area where there are people who are empty, without a rope.
Making Yeniçarohori one of the must-see places in our country today; The return of the locals who moved from Ayvalık to the big cities with the smart village project and their settled life here. With the smart village project, Yeniçarohori was transformed from its bad days and regained, and the artistic works, the biggest pillar of the project, added a completely different value to the village.. Yeniçarohori; now hosts many art galleries, craftsmen, authentic venues, events combining art and technology, and a market set up by local women producers.. That’s why it is called an art village rather than a smart village that requires a long time to work.. The historical houses of Yeniçarohori from the Greek period are another subject that will surprise you on your tour of the village.
WHAT IS A SMART VILLAGE
If you ask what a smart village is, it is actually a trend like ‘citta slow’, that is, ‘slow city’.. smart village; A new generation rural life model that aims to raise the living standards of both the region and the producer by combining traditional agricultural methods with technology and innovative solutions.
The necessary way is followed in order to live in a more sustainable environment in the smart village; Establishing waste units to prevent pollution, educating farmers on sustainable agriculture, making women an integral part of employment, making the necessary technological investments in agriculture that will make the farmer’s life easier are just some of them.
THE TRANSFORMATION OF KÜÇÜKKÖY YENİÇAROHORİ
Before the smart village steps were taken, people were hesitant to even enter the vicinity of Küçükköy. started to carry. Unused for many years, derelict Greek houses were bought and restored one by one by art lovers and people who really wanted to be a part of this change in the village.. Some of the houses have been put into service as living spaces, some as art workshops, and some as cafes.
There is a great effort in the background; because not only a building but the whole village is brought back to life.. Thanks to the people who dedicate themselves to this, Küçükköy is now one of the most beautiful examples of transformation in our country.. While smart village investments and practices continue, Yeniçarohori is not only the center of art anymore.. It is also a meeting center for those interested in software and technology.. Various events that are held regularly every year, entrepreneurial studies on software, and the fact that this place is now a center for workshops in this field are an important part of Yeniçarohori’s current position.
As a result of these studies in a short time. Bringing the village to tourism has also created a value in terms of real estate.. As it was in Urla, Alaçatı and Sığacık years ago; Yeniçarohori has become one of the most valuable real estate areas of Ayvalık today.. Sometimes it can be really hard to believe what this transformation movement started by a handful of people has brought to the village; when you come and see it with your own eyes, that’s when all the stones fall into place.
Although its new name is Küçükköy, the village is known as Yeniçarohori with its old name.. We could not find out why; but we guess that since there are many settlements using the name Küçükköy, they must have found the old name Yeniçarohori more useful and catchy during the identity transformation.. We think it makes a lot of sense from a marketing point of view..
THATS TO VISIT IN YENICAROHORI
Yeniçarohori is a tiny, easily navigable place. Bay. You can spend half a day here by visiting the workshops on its streets and taking a break at a few places.. Art workshops and galleries make up most of the list of places to visit, a truly unique route for art lovers!
#1 Halil Başyazgan Küçükköy Cumhuriyet Cultural Center:
It is a venue that hosts cultural and artistic activities of surrounding schools and institutions, and sometimes special events such as weddings and meetings are held.. Those who are curious can go either by car or by walking, as it is about 1 km from Küçükköy.
#2 Küçükköy City Museum:
In the village square the City Museum and Art Gallery opened in a stone house; It covers the village’s past, Greek history and Balkan migration.. In addition to various information, it also has an ethnographic feature as Balkan objects are exhibited inside.
#3 Kıraarthane:
The first of the places that shed light on the transformation in Küçükköy is a historical one. Kıraarthane, which turns the coffee house into a digital art center. At the beginning of the article, I mentioned the importance that the village gives to digital and software; Here Kıraarthane is the pioneer of this issue and the change in the village.. Its founders, Simay Hanım and Eray Bey, positioned this place as a new generation social living space and digital project production center; a space where digital artworks are made, mobile games are written, and children write robot code. They frequently organize trainings and workshops on these topics.. A place that soon became the center of pilot projects sponsored by global brands.. It may not be open all the time and in all seasons, I hope you have a chance to visit when you go.
#4 Atelier Art Center:
Painter Suna Tüfekçibaşı left her life in Istanbul and left After moving to Küçükköy, he opened Atelier Art Center here.. He is one of the first exchange group to come to the village.. We recommend you to visit this art center, which is used both as a home and an exhibition space.. It is a great pleasure to examine the Istanbul collection of the modern art movement of Suna Hanım, who has made invaluable contributions to the art of painting and whose works have appeared in numerous exhibitions.
#5 Artura Gallery:
Artura Gallery, which was first established in Ankara in 1985 by sculptor Uğur Çalışkan and painter Rabia Çalışkan, moved here as three sections during the return of Küçükköy.. Opened in the historical Greek house, the gallery hosts the works of Turkey’s leading artists such as Adnan Çoker, Devrim Erbil, Burhan Doğançay and Hanefi Yeter, as well as Uğur Bey’s own works.
#6 Artura Art Craft :
Artura Art Craft is another art space owned by the Çalışkan couple and is actually a shop.. The textures of the region’s Lycian, Ottoman, Karesi Principality and Bosnian past inspired Uğur Bey’s designs, thus, sandals and accessories he designed with inspiration from the Janissary and sailor culture in the footsteps of the past.. It is possible to see all the works in Artura Art Craft.. In addition to these, the wood printing and engraving works in the space will attract your attention, and the works in progress can be seen on the long table in the middle.. After visiting Artura Art Craft, don’t forget to go to its garden and take a break at Artura Cafe & Bistro.
#7 In the gallery:
Painter couple Burhan Yıldırım and This is another workshop opened by Ayşen Yıldırım.. The house they are in used to belong to the village priest.. Later, the ground floor was used as a grocery store and the upper floor as a house.. The restoration, which enabled Galerida to regain its current form, was completed in a long period of two years.. Now used as both a house and a gallery, you can see Burhan Bey’s human-oriented expressionist paintings, as well as Ayşen Hanım’s still life and ceramic works here.. Some of Burhan Bey’s works can also be found in other galleries in Küçükköy.
#8 Kabbak Evi:
Migration from Istanbul to Küçükköy for retirement Yasemin & Bülent Arsev, who make lightings from gourds, are completely handcrafted and with various embroideries.. We can say that Kabbak House is a family business.. Lightings, each of which is different, have added a different color to Küçükköy.. It was a favorite of foreign tourists especially with its authentic looks.
#9 Kuca Atelier & Shop:
Nahide Toros Selcuk opened it in Galata, Istanbul and then Küçükköy. She has her own ceramic works and clothing and pillow designs made from authentic silk fabrics in Kuca Atölye & Shop, which she brought to Turkey.. One of the reasons I love Kuca is, of course, the silver jewelry made with natural stones! Both Nahide Hanım and other designers have elegant jewelry, be sure to stop by.
#10 Neferi Kurşun Asker Workshop:
Küçükköy’s own unique, It’s time for Neferi Kurşun Asker Workshop, one of his original ideas! In the workshop opened by Cem Karvan, you can see his tin soldier collection and handmade model soldiers.. They also make janissary soldier series specially for Yeniçarohori.. A workshop suitable for collectors, as well as a shop! Each soldier is limited and certified. Auctions are also held from time to time.
#11 Yeniçarohori Antique Art:
There is a small gallery on the ground floor of Yeniçarohori Boutique Hotel.. You can examine the authentic works and works of art for sale at Antique Art.
#12 Women’s Street:
Women’s Street, which you will see when you come to the village square, is once even outside. A place where handcrafted products prepared by village women who could not go out are exhibited.. In Women’s Street, you can find handicrafts such as jewelry, lace, crochet and knitting, as well as products such as tomato paste, jam and pickles prepared by village women at home.
#13 Sabancı University Creative Technologies Workshop:
The newest of Yeniçarohori is this project, implemented by Sabancı University in the summer of 2019.. Creative Technologies Workshop aims to develop a new and sustainable education system by using the opportunities provided by technology.. priority; Working with children in the 8-15 age group and women. It is certain that the science and technology trainings to be given within the workshop program will bring different values to Küçükköy and Ayvalık in terms of creativity.
AT YENICAROHORI WHERE TO EAT
#1 Zet Cafe:
Zet Cafe, the first cafe in Yeniçarohori, is one of the places where you can taste Bosnian pastries and dishes.. Its authentic decoration is very pleasant, it is also very good to breathe in its courtyard on hot summer days.. We tasted Bosnian pastry at Zet Cafe, although not as good as the ones in Sarajevo.
#2 Bosanska Pita:
The village is the most famous because of its Bosnian past. Bosnian pastry as you can imagine. This is one of the places where you can taste that pastry.. Bosnian ravioli is also among the favorites, it is sold out faster than börek.
#3 Artura Cafe & Bistro:
Artura Cafe & Bistro, serving in the garden of Artura Gallery , where you can come for both a meal and a coffee break. It has an ideal garden to relax after the tour in Küçükköy; It is both very calm and makes you feel very good with its beautiful music.
#4 The Curious Witch:
The Curious Witch is in Küçükköy from breakfast to dinner, one of the few places to go for a meal. Its breakfast, meatballs and olive oil dishes are very popular.. There are also live music concerts from Thursday to Sunday.. The decoration is witchy, cute. Prices are also reasonable compared to Ayvalık.
We have thus come to the end of the Yeniçarohori travel guide.. If you have any gallery and venue suggestions other than our article, leave them in the comments and we will add them.. You can reach all our notes about Ayvalık from the account on Instagram with the hashtag #journavelege.. Follow us, let’s travel together!
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