Osmaniye Mosque, Chios, mosque in Greece
The Osmaniye Mosque is a rectangular stone and brick building located within the old citadel of Chios, constructed in 1892. The simple structure features a flat roof, a small octagonal minaret at the northeastern corner, and measures approximately 25 meters long and 15 meters wide.
The mosque was built in 1891-1892 on the orders of Sultan Abdülhamit II during Ottoman rule of Chios. Following the Greek capture of the island in 1912, it ceased functioning as a place of worship and was later repurposed for cultural uses.
The mosque is locally known as the Frangomachala Mosque, a name referring to the former Frankish quarter and reflecting the island's multicultural past. This name reveals how different communities once coexisted and practiced their beliefs in this area of the citadel.
The building is easily accessible within the old citadel and located near other historic structures along narrow, paved streets. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the pavement is uneven and access involves walking up steep, narrow streets.
A marble inscription above the door by Turkish artist Feyzî records the construction date and celebrates the sultan's reign. The mosque was built using stones from nearby ancient ruins, reflecting a common practice of material recycling in the region during that era.
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