Alaüddevle Mosque is a single-domed mosque in Gaziantep's historical bazaar, built in the early 16th century by Dulkadiroğlu Bey Alaüddevle Bozkurt Bey, rebuilt in 1901 with black and white cut stones, and is open for free visits.
Located in the historical center of Gaziantep, west of Uzun Çarşı, Alaüddevle Mosque is one of the most important traces left by the Dulkadiroğulları period in the city. Built as a waqf by Dulkadiroğlu Bey Alaüddevle Bozkurt Bey in the early 16th century, the mosque has undergone various changes over the centuries. Mentioned in Evliya Çelebi's travelogue, the structure is known as 'Ali Dola Mosque' among the public.
Only its minaret has survived from the original structure to the present day. The mosque was rebuilt in 1901 as a single-domed structure, featuring typical Gaziantep stonework with alternating black and white cut stones. This location, between the Coppersmiths' Bazaar and Gümrük Han, makes the mosque a natural stop on historical bazaar tours. It is one of the prominent structures in the city's faith tourism routes, both in terms of its architectural and historical importance.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Gaziantep historical places, Yesemek Open-Air Museum.
Guide's Note
Alaüddevle Mosque, as a historical structure from the Dulkadiroğulları period, holds an important place in Gaziantep's old city fabric. Built by Alaüddevle Bozkurt Bey in the late 15th century, the mosque was rebuilt in 1903 as a single-domed structure using black and white cut stones; traces of Mamluk art are noticeable in its minaret. Its proximity to Zincirli Bedesten makes it a suitable spot for both worship and historical site visits.
Visitors find the mosque's interior calm and peaceful, noting that the exterior lighting in the evening adds a special beauty to the structure. Generally emphasized as clean and well-maintained, the mosque, in its restored state, is appreciated for its harmony with the surrounding historical fabric. Some visitors also positively comment on the venue's central location and ease of access.
- Ablution facilities and toilets: The cleanliness and condition of the ablution facilities and toilets next to the mosque have been found inadequate by multiple visitors; their being paid was also a subject of criticism.
- Visitor density: At least one visitor stated that despite the mosque's central location, its surroundings remained quite deserted.
What is Alaüddevle Mosque?
Alaüddevle Mosque is one of the most important structures remaining from the Dulkadiroğulları period in Gaziantep's historical urban fabric. It was built as a waqf by Dulkadiroğlu Bey Alaüddevle Bozkurt Bey in the early 16th century and was also mentioned in Evliya Çelebi's 17th-century travelogue. It is widely known among the public as Ali Dola Mosque.
Only the minaret has survived from the original structure to the present day. The main building was rebuilt in 1901 as a single-domed structure, featuring traditional Gaziantep stonework with alternating black and white cut stones. This stonework adds both an aesthetic and a strong character reflecting the architectural identity of the period to the facade.
When to Visit?
The mosque is open to visitors throughout the year. To show respect to the congregation during prayer times, it is more appropriate to schedule your visit between prayers. Especially the morning hours before noon prayer are the most productive times in terms of both light and tranquility.
As for seasons, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) can be preferred; bazaar tours are also more enjoyable during these periods. Since Gaziantep's temperatures can rise quite high in summer, it is advisable to choose morning hours.
How to Get There?
Alaüddevle Mosque is located in Gaziantep's historical bazaar area, west of Uzun Çarşı and on Eski Saray Street. Since it is situated between the Coppersmiths' Bazaar and Gümrük Han, anyone familiar with these two points can easily find the mosque.
It is possible to reach it on foot from the city center. You can take municipal buses and minibuses to the historical bazaar area and walk for a few minutes. For those coming by taxi or car, finding parking in the vicinity can sometimes be difficult; if you are coming by car, it would be more practical to park a little further away and walk.
Photography Spots
The most striking feature of the mosque is the alternating black and white stone wall surface on its entrance facade. This facade offers a very impressive view when it receives direct sunlight in the morning and before noon. The minaret also holds historical photographic value as it is the only element remaining from the original structure.
The area around the mosque facing the Coppersmiths' Bazaar, along with the bazaar merchants and historical texture, creates a rich environment for street photography.
What to Eat Nearby?
The historical bazaar area immediately surrounding Alaüddevle Mosque hosts some of Gaziantep's most established eateries. Shops selling pistachio baklava, katmer, and Antep pistachios line the vicinity of the Coppersmiths' Bazaar and Gümrük Han.
For lunch, the small artisan restaurants within the bazaar offer both affordable and authentic experiences. You can find Gaziantep's famous beyran soup and lahmacun in many places in this area.
Suggested Itinerary
The most sensible approach is to consider Alaüddevle Mosque as part of a Gaziantep historical center tour. Starting from the mosque, you can walk through the Coppersmiths' Bazaar, then visit Gümrük Han. From there, it is possible to continue along Uzun Çarşı to Gaziantep Castle and the Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
Half a day is sufficient to complete this entire route at a relaxed pace; if you include the museum visit, you should plan for a full day.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The mosque is an active place of worship. Visitors are expected to be quiet and respectful inside during prayer times. Female visitors should cover their heads, and both male and female visitors should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Coverings may be provided at the mosque for those who come unprepared, but it is better not to rely on this.
Shoes must be removed when entering the mosque. When taking photos inside, be careful not to include people praying in your frame.
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