Et'hem Bey Mosque, Ottoman mosque in central Tirana, Albania
Description
Et'hem Bey Mosque is an Ottoman place of worship in central Tirana featuring a square prayer hall covered by a semi-spherical dome. The building includes a cylindrical stone minaret and a surrounding portico that frames the exterior.
History
Construction started in 1789 under Molla Bey's direction and finished in 1823 when his son Haxhi Ethem Bey completed the building. The long construction period reflects an important chapter in Tirana's architectural past.
Culture
The interior and exterior walls feature frescoes depicting natural landscapes with trees, waterfalls, and bridges, which breaks with traditional Islamic decoration rules. This unusual visual approach shows how local artists adapted religious spaces to their own artistic traditions.
Practical
The building is generally open to visitors in the morning and afternoon, with restricted times on Fridays. Plan your visit outside of prayer times to explore the interior without interruption.
Did you know?
In January 1991, around 10,000 people entered the building without permission, marking a turning point for religious freedom after communist rule. This event symbolized the people's desire to reclaim their religious identity.
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