Ala Mosque

Ala Mosque

The Ala Mosque, located in Osmaniye, is a well-preserved example of an ancient settlement that has seen influences from Roman, Byzantine, and Turkish-Islamic cultures, as discovered by the Directorate for Osmaniye Museum during excavations.

Originally a Christian monastery, the building underwent extensive renovations over time, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact construction date. However, it has served as a mosque for several generations since its conversion in the late 14th century.

Ala Mosque

The Ala Mosque has four distinct phases, according to research:

First Phase (Early Byzantine Period): This phase is characterized by the remaining mosaics on the north side of the site. A platform with mosaics and spolia flooring, which are columns and decorative architectural pieces from other older buildings, leads to the steps of the Ala Mosque.

Second Phase (Middle Byzantine Period): During this period, the building was transformed from a basilica into a single-nave chapel. The apse part of the south half of the building was closed with a wall, and rows of columns were placed inside.

Third and Fourth Phases (Dulkadiroğulları and Ottoman Periods): The north part of the building now has a two-part cistern, which may indicate that the pipes and waterway found in the east are related to it. An Arabic inscription on the south wall reads "Word-i Tawhid" with an accompanying word, indicating that the cistern was used during the Ottoman Period as well. A ceramic kiln was discovered near the building, and many garbage pits were opened on the site, especially on the west and south sides, during this time.