Et'hem Bey Mosque: Tirana's Ottoman Jewel

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Discover the Et'hem Bey Mosque in Tirana: a jewel of Ottoman architecture, famed for its unique frescoes and its role in Albania's religious history.

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Et'hem Bej Mosque

The Et'hem Bey Mosque, located on Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, is a historical landmark renowned for its unique frescoes and its role in Albania's religious freedom. Built between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it stands as one of the few mosques to survive the country's communist era.

A brief summary to Et'hem Bej Mosque

AL, Sheshi Skënderbej, Tirana, 1000, AL
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Monday 9 am-12 pm
Tuesday 9 am-12 pm
Wednesday 9 am-12 pm
Thursday 9 am-12 pm
Friday 2:30 pm-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-12 pm
Sunday 9 am-12 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Et'hem Bej Mosque.

Dress modestly when visiting the mosque, as it is an active place of worship.
Remove your shoes before entering the inner room of the mosque.
Visit outside of prayer times to fully appreciate the mosque's artistry and history.
Take your time to admire the unique frescoes depicting trees, waterfalls and bridges, a rarity in Islamic art.

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Getting There

Walking

The Et'hem Bey Mosque is located on Skanderbeg Square in the center of Tirana, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the National Historical Museum, walk south across the square; the Mosque will be on your right, near the Clock Tower. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

Most of Tirana's bus lines have stops around Skanderbeg Square. Check for a bus that stops near the city center or the Skanderbeg Square. Once you alight, the mosque is a short walk away. A single bus ticket costs 40 Lek.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Tirana. A short taxi ride to Skanderbeg Square, where the Et'hem Bey Mosque is located, should cost approximately 500 Lek, but it is better to agree on the price in advance. Taxi base fares start at 300 Lek, with additional charges per kilometer. Ensure the meter is activated at the start of the ride.

Discover more about Et'hem Bej Mosque

The Et'hem Bey Mosque, situated in the heart of Tirana on Skanderbeg Square, represents a significant piece of Albania's Ottoman heritage. Construction began in the late 18th century (1791 or 1794) by Molla Bey and was completed in 1819 or 1821 by his son, Haxhi Et'hem Bey. The mosque's architecture includes a prayer hall, a portico surrounding the north side, and a minaret.What sets the Et'hem Bey Mosque apart are the frescoes adorning its walls, both inside and outside the portico. These frescoes depict scenes of trees, waterfalls, and bridges, which are rarely found in Islamic art. The mosque's dome is semi-spherical and lacks windows, creating a unique interior environment. The mosque's portico exhibits classic Ottoman design, featuring graceful arches and detailed craftsmanship.During Albania's communist regime, the mosque was closed and declared a historical monument, undergoing restoration in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A pivotal moment in Albania's history occurred on January 18, 1991, when 10,000 people gathered at the mosque to attend a service without government permission, marking a turning point in the country's religious freedom. Today, the Et'hem Bey Mosque stands as a symbol of religious and cultural harmony in Albania. Visitors are welcome to tour the mosque daily, except during prayer services, and are required to remove their shoes before entering.