Alaybey Mosque Bozcaada
A beautifully restored 1700s Ottoman mosque in Bozcaada, featuring unique Baroque motifs and a historic courtyard graveyard.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat and crowds.
Alaybey Mosque Bozcaada
Best Time
Avoid midday heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored 1700s Ottoman mosque in Bozcaada, featuring unique Baroque motifs and a historic courtyard graveyard.
"A peaceful and historically significant gem in Bozcaada's Turkish neighborhood."
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees when visiting this active mosque. :pray:
Quiet Respect
Maintain a quiet atmosphere inside and in the courtyard. :shushing_face:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ottoman Architecture
Admire the cut-stone architecture, wooden ceiling, and simple minaret of this 1700s religious gem.
Historic Courtyard Graves
Discover the 'hazire' with 14 inscribed graves, including one of former Grand Vizier Halil Hamit Pasha.
Baroque Interior Motifs
Observe the unique branch motifs in Baroque style adorning the mihrab and above the windows inside.
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Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees when visiting this active mosque. :pray:
Quiet Respect
Maintain a quiet atmosphere inside and in the courtyard. :shushing_face:
Explore Narrow Streets
Wander the charming streets surrounding the mosque. :housewithgarden:
Check Prayer Times
Visit outside of scheduled prayer times for a more serene experience. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees when visiting this active mosque. :pray:
Quiet Respect
Maintain a quiet atmosphere inside and in the courtyard. :shushing_face:
Explore Narrow Streets
Wander the charming streets surrounding the mosque. :housewithgarden:
Check Prayer Times
Visit outside of scheduled prayer times for a more serene experience. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Alaybey Mosque for its historical significance and well-maintained beauty, noting its peaceful atmosphere and interesting architectural details. The courtyard with its inscribed graves, including that of a former Grand Vizier, is a particular point of interest. Some mention the need for respectful attire and quiet demeanor, as it is an active place of worship.
"Beautiful mosque, thought to be first built in 1321. Amazing…"
Cengizhan Atlihan
"A historic mosque in the center of Bozcaada, dating back to the 1700s. Its garden contains 14 graves, each with its name and title inscribed on marble. The interior of the mosque is well-maintained and clean, and is well worth a visit."
Koray Erden
"Located in central Bozcaada, the Alaybey Mosque, built in 1700, is one of the island's most important religious structures from the Ottoman period. Its cut-stone architecture, wooden ceiling, and simple minaret stand out. Restored to the present day, it remains a peaceful place of worship. It embodies the island's multicultural history, where Ottoman and Greek architecture coexist."
Samet Karaca
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Alaybey Mosque is centrally located in the Turkish neighborhood of Bozcaada town. You can easily walk to it from most accommodations on the island. If arriving by ferry, it's a short walk uphill into the town center.
Parking in Bozcaada town can be challenging, especially during peak season. It's best to park in designated areas outside the immediate town center and walk. The mosque itself is in a pedestrian-friendly area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Alaybey Mosque is a place of worship and entry is free. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque and its courtyard respectfully.
As an active mosque, it is generally open outside of prayer times. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours and be mindful of the local prayer schedule.
While you can see the exterior, it's best to avoid entering the prayer hall during actual prayer times to respect worshippers. The courtyard may still be accessible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the mihrab adorned with Baroque-style branch motifs, a simple wooden ceiling, and unadorned pulpit. Wooden staircases lead to the women's gallery.
The mosque has steps leading to the entrance and within. While the courtyard might be more accessible, the interior may present challenges for those with mobility issues.
The courtyard features a small graveyard ('hazire') with 14 graves, including that of Halil Hamit Pasha, a former Grand Vizier. Each grave has its name and title inscribed on marble.
Photography is generally permitted, but always be discreet and respectful. Avoid flash photography and photographing worshippers without their explicit consent.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the mosque is located in the heart of Bozcaada town, which is filled with charming cafes, traditional tavernas, and restaurants serving local cuisine. You'll find plenty of dining options within a short walking distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The mosque's exterior, especially its minaret and entrance, offers great photo opportunities. The courtyard with the graves and the surrounding narrow streets also provide picturesque backdrops.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most flattering illumination for photography, creating beautiful shadows and warm tones on the stone architecture.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Ottoman Bozcaada
The mosque's interior showcases subtle artistic touches, including Baroque-style branch motifs above the windows and on the mihrab. The unadorned pulpit and mihrab contribute to the serene atmosphere. For those interested in historical figures, the mosque's courtyard holds a small graveyard, or 'hazire', containing 14 graves. Among these is the resting place of Halil Hamit Pasha, a former Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, adding a layer of historical gravitas to the site.
Visiting Alaybey Mosque offers more than just a look at religious architecture; it's an opportunity to understand Bozcaada's multicultural heritage. The island is known for the coexistence of Ottoman and Greek influences, and the mosque is a prime example of the enduring Ottoman presence. Exploring the narrow streets surrounding the mosque further enhances this experience, revealing the island's charm beyond its popular beaches.
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