History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The historical Alaybey Mosque was built in 1700 by Bozcaada Guard Miralay Ahmet Ağa in the Alaybey District, the Turkish District of the island. It is the most distinguished classical Ottoman monument on the island, with its walls made of red cut andesite stone, its elegant single-balcony minaret and its centuries-old burial ground. In the mosque graveyard, there are historical gravestones of 14 important Ottoman statesmen and pashas who were exiled to the island or served during the Ottoman period. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
•Altitude:15 meters.•It is located in the town center of Bozcaada, in the historical street pattern decorated with traditional Turkish houses and plane trees.•Cypress and plane trees in the courtyard offer spiritual peace and coolness. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees•Entrance Fee:Free.•Visiting Hours and Days:It is open to visitors 7 days a week during prayers and throughout the day.•Rules, Security and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: Must be visited with proper attire appropriate to mosque etiquette; Gravestones in the graveyard should not be damaged.•Facilities and Facilities:Ablution room, WC and historical burial courtyard are available. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Alaybey District, Alaybey Dead End, Bozcaada / Çanakkale.•Road Conditions and Vehicle Availability: It is a 3-minute walk from the ferry pier and the port square.•Real Public Transportation Information: It can be easily reached from the island center on foot.•Parking Availability:Since vehicle access to the island center is limited in summer, the port car park should be used. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: One must enter with ablution, perform a two-rakat prayer and recite the Fatiha for the veterans sleeping on the island and the ancestors in the graveyard.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:Red cut stone minaret and Ottoman thuluth calligraphy tombstones can be photographed with dignity.•Important Commemoration Days:On Fridays and religious holidays, the islanders celebrate in the historical courtyard.•Local Spiritual Tradition:On Kandil nights, traditional island lokma and sherbet are served to the community.