Saatli Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Ayvalık, Turkey
Saatli Mosque is a house of worship in Ayvalık that was originally built as a church and later converted to a mosque. The interior still shows features of both religious traditions, with a central prayer hall and religious ornaments throughout.
The building was constructed in the 19th century as St. John's Church and was later rededicated as a mosque following population changes in the region. This conversion reflects the major demographic shifts that Ayvalık experienced during that period.
The mosque reflects the religious diversity that has shaped Ayvalık over time. Visitors can observe how different faith traditions have coexisted within the same building.
Visitors should plan to arrive outside prayer times to explore the building freely. The entrance is located in the central courtyard in the heart of Ayvalık, making access straightforward.
The building retains clearly visible features of its original church architecture while functioning as an active mosque. This overlap of two religious architectural styles within one working building is uncommon to observe.
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