Hayrettin Pasha Mosque

The story of Hayrettin Pasha Mosque begins in 1850. At that time, Ayvalık was an Aegean port with a dense Greek Orthodox population, and this church, built under the name Kato Panaya, became one of the city's first places of worship. The structure was built with 'sarımsak' stone extracted from the region; this stone gave the building its character with both its durability and its yellowish color typical of Aegean architecture.

The Turkish-Greek population exchange, carried out after the Treaty of Lausanne signed in 1923, fundamentally changed Ayvalık's demographic structure. With the Greek population leaving the region, the church became non-functional. In 1928, a mihrab was added to the structure, and it was opened for worship as a mosque, and since then, it has been known as Hayrettin Pasha Mosque.

Ayvalık is a holiday resort that gets crowded in the summer months; however, since Hayrettin Pasha Mosque is located in the inner parts of the city, it remains relatively far from the beach crowds. If you want to visit the structure peacefully, weekday mornings or late afternoons would be more suitable.

Since the congregation prays during prayer times, keeping your visit short or postponing it until after these hours will make it easier for both you and the worshippers. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable periods to visit Ayvalık, both in terms of weather conditions and tourist density.

Hayrettin Pasha Mosque is within walking distance of Ayvalık city center. Since it is located on Cumhuriyet Street, it is easily accessible from the bazaar area. It can be reached by walking approximately 10–15 minutes from Ayvalık bus station.

Those arriving by car can find parking on the street and in nearby streets; it helps to leave a little early as central traffic can intensify during the summer season. Regular bus services operate from Balıkesir city center to Ayvalık.

The most attractive photo spot of the structure is its columned courtyard. In the morning light, the texture of the 'sarımsak' stone and the play of shadows created by the columns produce very powerful shots. For a facade photo, shooting from Cumhuriyet Street makes it easier to frame the entire structure.

If there is no one praying inside, the corner where the mihrab integrates with the church-origin structure also offers an interesting detail. When taking photos, it is necessary to show respect to the congregation and avoid pressing the shutter during prayer times.

Ayvalık center, where Hayrettin Pasha Mosque is located, is full of restaurants and breakfast places offering fine examples of Aegean cuisine. Ayvalık toast is a street delicacy synonymous with this district; you can find it at many points on the street near the mosque.

Olive oil appetizers, fresh seafood, and olive oil products unique to Ayvalık form the region's gastronomic identity. Combining a mosque visit with breakfast or lunch in Ayvalık bazaar adds a special flavor to the trip.

As it is an active mosque, silence must be observed during the visit. Avoid taking photos and speaking loudly inside during prayer times. A headscarf is mandatory for women; shoulders and knees must also be covered.

Visitor comments sometimes mention cleanliness issues regarding the women's restroom; it is useful to be prepared for this. Since the 'sarımsak' stone of the structure continues to be affected by humidity, you may see signs of wear in some sections; this is part of the structure's authenticity.

Hayrettin Pasha Mosque is one of the primary places to visit to understand the historical fabric of Ayvalık. Its conversion from the Kato Panaya Church transforms the structure into a layered experience in terms of both religious and cultural history. Visitors emphasize that the church atmosphere can still be felt inside, and this unique ambiance makes the place different.

You can create a half-day cultural route by combining the structure with nearby historical points such as Ayvalık bazaar, Saatli Mosque, and Taksiyarhis Church. For those interested in Ayvalık's Greek-Turkish history, this mosque is a tangible reflection of that history.