Ayvalik Cinarli Mosque

Located in the center of Ayvalik, Cinarli Mosque is one of the most significant historical buildings reflecting the town’s multicultural heritage. The structure was built as a church by the Greek Orthodox community in the second half of the 19th century and was originally known as Agios Georgios (Aya Yorgi) Church. It was converted into a mosque in 1923 and has since continued to serve as a place of worship under the name Cinarli Mosque.

Considered one of Ayvalik’s most impressive monumental buildings, Cinarli Mosque stands out for its magnificent façade and richly decorated interior. The rectangular structure features the characteristics of a domed cross plan and was constructed using rubble and cut stone. Sarimsak stone, one of the characteristic building materials of the region, is particularly prominent on its exterior.

Twin windows, slender columns, and the balanced arrangement of the façade give the building an elegant and monumental appearance. The entrance sections, reached by stairways, feature architectural details inspired by Classical and Ancient traditions. In contrast to the relatively restrained exterior, the interior displays a more elaborate decorative style with strong Baroque influences. Among the mosque’s most remarkable features are the gilded decorations preserved from the period when the building served as a church. Despite its conversion into a mosque, many of these decorative elements have survived, allowing visitors to observe traces of the building’s original function.

Bringing together the architectural and cultural characteristics of different periods, Cinarli Mosque is not only a place of worship but also an important cultural landmark that reflects Ayvaliks Greek Orthodox heritage and the historical transformation of the town.