Fethiye Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Ioannina, Greece.
Fethiye Mosque is an Ottoman place of worship in Ioannina featuring a broad central dome crowned by a minaret positioned at the northwestern corner. The building now functions as a museum branch displaying exhibitions focused on the Ali Pasha era in the city.
The structure began as a Byzantine church honoring Archangel Michael before Ottoman forces took control in 1430 and converted it into a mosque. This transformation marked a major shift in how the region's religious life was expressed and organized.
The interior walls feature Arabic calligraphy alongside ornamental flowers and geometric patterns that cover the curved surfaces. These decorations reflect how the space has served different communities over centuries.
The mosque sits within the Its Kale fortress complex and is reached by walking through the historic stronghold. Being used as a museum space, you can visit to explore both the architectural interior and the exhibitions on display there.
Two marble columns from the original 13th-century Byzantine church are preserved as part of the prayer niche inside. These remnants show how the later builders respectfully incorporated the earlier structure into their design.
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