When you explore the historic heart of Syria, you will find the Al-Adiliyah Mosque—also known as the Dukaginzâde Mehmed Pasha Mosque—standing in partial ruins within the Ancient City of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Endowed in 1556 by Dukakinzade Mehmed Pasha, an Albanian-Ottoman governor-general of Aleppo, this former Ottoman külliye complex was completed around 1565 or 1566.
Situated just southwest of the Citadel in the Al-Jalloum district near the southern entrance of the ancient covered suq, the mosque earned its name due to its proximity to the governor's palace, the Dar al-Adl. As you take in this poignant historical site, you can observe the architectural layout that once featured a grand, domed prayer hall fronted by a distinctive double portico.
Among its most striking artistic details are the brightly colored tiled lunette panels positioned above the prayer hall windows and the northern side, which were likely imported directly from Iznik in Turkey. Although the complex suffered partial destruction during the Battle of Aleppo in the summer of 2014 or 2015, visiting this location offers you an honest look at the layered Ottoman heritage and resilient historic landscape of ancient Aleppo.
What to see at Al-Adiliyah Mosque
- Endowed by Ottoman governor Dukakinzade Mehmed Pasha and completed around 1565/1566 CE
- Located southwest of the Citadel at the southern entrance of the covered suq in Aleppo
- Features architectural remnants of a large domed prayer hall and double portico
- Brightly colored tiled lunette panels likely imported from Iznik, Turkey
- Positioned near the historic governor's palace, the Dar al-Adl
Visiting tips
Keep in mind that the former mosque remains in partial ruins following structural damage sustained during the Battle of Aleppo.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daylight hours
How to get there & what’s nearby
Al-Adiliyah Mosque is easy to reach on Aleppo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Great Mosque of Aleppo and Citadel of Aleppo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Aleppo travel guide.
See the full Aleppo travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.