The name Agiasma comes from Agia (sacred) and Ma (water), “Ayazma” in Turkish. Orthodox Christians believe that some water sources can give spiritual and physical healing. Sometimes, the water source is dedicated to a Saint. Although it is a Christian cult, Muslims too were using the Agiasma for its therapy, drinking and pouring holy water on themselves.
The Agiasma of the Panagia Phaneromeni was one of the most famous and important religious place in Ayvalık. Panagia means “Most Holy” designating Mother Mary (Prophet Jesus’ mother) and Phaneromeni means “Revealed”. In 1852, the young Evagellini (16 years old) saw the Panagia in her dreams who indicated the place of her icon and holy water: ‘100 meters from the sea, in the garden of Saliokoula’. The first Agiasma was built on the site of the holy water and icon’s discovery.
The archeological research carried out in 2016 unravelled an inscription naming Captain Mihalis Papazis from Chios as the sponsor for the Agiasma inaugurated in 1867. The shrine was completely rebuilt in 1890. The Agiasma of the Panagia Phaneromeni was used until 1922 Christians’ expulsion. It was used as an olive oil factory until restored to its original function in 2017. It never was a Church, but a spiritual healing center.
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