Xhamia e Pazarit: A Gjirokastër Landmark

Xhamia e Pazarit, also known as the Bazaar Mosque or Memi Bey Mosque, is a significant landmark in Gjirokastër, Albania. Constructed in 1757 during the Ottoman period, it's located in the historic Old Bazaar neighborhood. The mosque is one of the few to survive the communist era, when many other religious buildings were destroyed.Originally intended for the New Bazaar area as part of Memi Pasha's 17th-century urban plan, the mosque endured a fire that razed the bazaar in the following century. Spared from demolition during the communist regime due to its designation as a Cultural Monument in 1973, it was repurposed as a training hall for circus acrobats.The mosque consists of a prayer hall, portico, and minaret. Stone steps lead to the prayer hall, which features a dome supported by corner vaults. Unlike other mosques, its cubic volume is relatively low to minimize structural load. Windows in two rows illuminate the interior. The minaret has a polygonal cross-section and a well-crafted stone base. The portico extends on the north and east sides, with remnants of circular arches. After the fall of the regime, in 1991 the mosque was reopened for worship. A restoration in 2018 gave it a beautiful new look. Today, the Xhamia e Pazarit is a popular attraction for tourists, offering a glimpse into Gjirokastër's spiritual and cultural life. Its location amidst local shops and cafes makes it an ideal stop while exploring the city.