Taksiyarhis Monument Museum

The Taksiyarhis Church, located in Ayvalık district of Balıkesir province, is the first known church of the region and has been serving as the Taksiyarhis Monument Museum since 2013. The building holds significant cultural heritage value due to its architectural features and historical development.

Taksiyarhis Church (Turkish Culture Portal)

History

The first construction phase of Taksiyarhis Church dates back to the 15th century. Initially built as a small worship structure, the church underwent various repairs and reconstructions over time due to earthquakes. The inscription and frescoes dated 1753 correspond to the second phase of the three-domed, two-story basilica plan. The third-phase inscription from 1844 documents that the existing basilica structure was covered with a barrel vault and supported by wooden beams.

After 1927, the building was used as a warehouse by the Tekel Administration and remained nonfunctional for a long time. It was restored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2012, and upon completion, it opened to visitors in 2013 as part of the Balıkesir Kuva-yi Milliye Museum under the name Taksiyarhis Monument Museum.

Taksiyarhis Church (Turkish Culture Portal)

Architectural Features

The building has a three-aisled basilica plan. The main worship area is accessed from the narthex on the west façade through three doors. In the central nave, there is an ambo adorned with lion reliefs in stucco, accessible via a spiral staircase. The iconostasis is decorated with marble icons depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, enriched with marble reliefs and gold embellishments. Beyond the iconostasis lies the apse.

On the second floor, there is a “U”-shaped wooden gallery designed as a gynaikeion for women. The interior decoration includes various religious iconography scenes, depictions of saints and angels, ceiling ornaments, female saint portraits carved on fish skin, and marble craftsmanship.

Taksiyarhis Church (Turkish Culture Portal)

Conservation and Museum Conversion

Due to earthquakes and periods of disuse, the building sustained various damages. Comprehensive restoration started in 2012, returning the structure to its original character, including partial renovation of interior decorations. Since 2013, the building has functioned as a museum and remains one of Ayvalık’s key architectural and cultural landmarks.