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Et'hem Bey Mosque: Tirana's Ottoman Jewel

Discover Tirana's historical Et'hem Bey Mosque: Admire unique frescoes & experience Albania's Ottoman and religious heritage on Skanderbeg Square.

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The Et'hem Bey Mosque, located on Skanderbeg Square in the heart of Tirana, is a historical and cultural landmark. Completed in the early 19th century, the mosque is known for its unique frescoes depicting trees, waterfalls, and bridges, a rarity in Islamic art. It stands as a symbol of religious freedom and a testament to Albania's rich Ottoman heritage.

A brief summary to Et'hem Bej Mosque

  • Monday 9 am-12 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-12 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-12 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-12 pm
  • Friday 9 am-12 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-12 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the mosque out of respect for its religious significance.
  • Visit outside of prayer times to fully appreciate the mosque's artistry and avoid disrupting worshippers.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions on Skanderbeg Square, such as the National Historical Museum and the Clock Tower.
  • Take your time to admire the unique frescoes depicting landscapes, a rare find in Islamic religious architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

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

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near Skanderbeg Square. From the main bus terminal behind the Palace of Culture, walk towards the square; the mosque will be on the square's edge, next to the Clock Tower. A single bus fare in Tirana is 40 Lek. Purchase tickets from the conductor on the bus.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Tirana. Ask your driver to take you to Skanderbeg Square; the mosque is located on the square next to the Clock Tower. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs around 300 Lek as a base fare, plus 100 Lek per kilometer. Ensure the driver uses the meter or negotiate the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Et'hem Bej Mosque

The Et'hem Bey Mosque, or Xhamia e Haxhi Et'hem Beut, is a captivating historical site in the center of Tirana, Albania. 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 location on Skanderbeg Square places it near other important landmarks like the Clock Tower and National Historical Museum. The mosque is celebrated for its distinctive frescoes, both inside and outside the portico, showcasing trees, waterfalls, and bridges – motifs seldom found in Islamic art. The mosque's architecture blends Islamic, Ottoman, and Albanian design elements. The portico, supported by stone columns, features intricate frescoes, while the minaret exhibits classic Ottoman design. The prayer hall is covered by a dome without windows. During Albania's communist era, when religious practices were suppressed, the Et'hem Bey Mosque was closed but spared from destruction. In a powerful act of defiance in January 1991, 10,000 people gathered at the mosque to perform prayers without government permission, marking a turning point for religious freedom in Albania. Today, the mosque is a symbol of Albania's religious and cultural harmony, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds to appreciate its artistry and history. Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.

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