Field Study Conducted in the Cunda Island Urban Conservation Area

As part of the Conservation Theory and Methods course, students of the Architectural Restoration Program within the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Balıkesir University Ayvalık Vocational School conducted a field study in the Cunda Island Urban Conservation Area on 14 April 2026. The study was carried out under the supervision of Lecturer Gülşah Yetgin Gözüaçık.

During the field study, students had the opportunity to examine several significant cultural heritage sites, including Taksiyarhis Church (Rahmi M. Koç Museum), Agios Yannis Church (Sevim and Necdet Kent Library), Panaya Church, Despot House, the Greek Girls’ School (Cunda Alibey Cultural Center), as well as the historic urban street fabric of Cunda. Students observed the current condition of these historic structures, identified conservation-related issues, and evaluated the challenges associated with preserving the area's architectural heritage.

Conducted within the framework of a practice-oriented educational approach, the field study enabled students to reinforce their theoretical knowledge through direct observation and on-site analysis. Studying in a region with a rich cultural heritage provides students with a significant advantage in their professional education and development. The activity also made an important contribution to raising awareness of cultural heritage conservation and the principles of architectural preservation.