Fatih Mosque, Durrës, Ottoman mosque in Durrës, Albania.
Fatih Mosque is an Ottoman-style prayer house located in central Durrës, distinguished by its reconstructed minaret and traditional stonework combined with marble details. The building displays typical mosque architecture of its era with a clear structure designed for worshippers.
The mosque was built in 1502 shortly after the Turkish conquest of Durrës, marking its role as a center of the new faith in the city. During Albania's communist period, it was converted into a youth center but later restored and designated as a cultural monument.
The mosque serves as an active prayer space for Durrës' Muslim community today, showing how religious places have reclaimed their role in daily life after decades of suppression. Visitors observe people of different ages gathering here to maintain their faith and cultural connections.
The building sits in central Durrës and is easy to reach on foot, with clear signage at the location itself. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and respect prayer times, which change seasonally.
The building gained Cultural Monument status in 1973 even though Albania was actively suppressing and banning religious institutions nationwide at that time. This official recognition was unusual during an era when the state systematically opposed religion.
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