Küçükköy Neighborhood (Ayvalık)

Küçükköy is a neighborhood within the Ayvalık district of Türkiye's Balıkesir Province. Originally known as Yeniçarohori, the village was granted town status in 1970 and was reclassified as a neighborhood under the 2013 Metropolitan Municipality Law. Today, it continues to exist as a neighborhood of Ayvalık Municipality.

Küçükköy (Balıkesir Governorate)

History

Küçükköy was incorporated into Ottoman territory in 1462. During this period, Janissaries were settled in the area to suppress local uprisings. The settlement was known as Yeniçarohori, meaning "place of the Janissaries." In the 19th century, the village had a substantial Greek population, which abandoned it during the 1923 population exchange. After the exchange, Bosniaks from the regions of Montenegro, Sarajevo and Sandžak settled in the village.

Cultural Activities

Küçükköy hosts various events aimed at promoting Bosniak culture. In collaboration with Ayvalık Municipality, the Balıkesir Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and the Ayvalık City Council, the "1st International Balkans Symposium: From Past to Present" was organized. Academics presented their research on Bosniak culture, and photographic exhibitions were held at the Küçükköy City Museum.

Architectural and Cultural Fabric

The village is known for its historic stone buildings and narrow streets. Following restoration efforts, former Greek houses have been renovated in accordance with their original designs and integrated into tourism. These structures now house boutique hotels, cafés, and art galleries.

Küçükköy (Balıkesir Governorate)

Geography

Küçükköy is located approximately eight kilometers east of the Ayvalık district center. The village is situated near the Sarımsaklı beaches and lies within the influence of the temperate Marmara climate.

Transportation

Access to Küçükköy is via road from the Ayvalık district center. Public transportation and private vehicles provide connectivity to the village.

Economy and Social Life

The economy of Küçükköy is based on olive and olive oil production, agriculture, and tourism. The local population preserves Bosniak culture, and social life is supported by community events, festivals, and cultural organizations.