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Et'hem Bey Mosque: Tirana's Ottoman Jewel

Discover Tirana's historic Et'hem Bey Mosque: a symbol of resilience, religious freedom, and unique Ottoman-Albanian artistry in the heart of Skanderbeg Square.

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The Et'hem Bey Mosque, located in the heart of Tirana, is a historical and cultural landmark dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Known for its unique frescoes of trees, waterfalls, and bridges, this mosque played a significant role in Albania's history, particularly during the communist era when it became a symbol of resistance and religious freedom.

A brief summary to Et'hem Bej Mosque

Local tips

  • 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 ensure you can explore the mosque freely.
  • Take your time to admire the unique frescoes inside the mosque, which are rare in Islamic art.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Et'hem Bey Mosque is located on Skanderbeg Square in the heart of Tirana, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the National Historical Museum, head south across the square; the mosque is situated near the Clock Tower. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Tirana's public transportation system provides access to Skanderbeg Square. Several bus lines stop near the square. From the main bus terminal behind the Palace of Culture, it's a short walk to the mosque. A single bus fare costs 40 Lek. Keep an eye out for buses with signs indicating 'Qender' (Center).

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Tirana and offer a convenient way to reach the Et'hem Bey Mosque. Most taxi companies operate with metered fares. A short taxi ride from a location within the city center to Skanderbeg Square typically costs around 350 Lek as a base fare, plus 120 Lek per kilometer for the first 5 kilometers. Ensure the driver activates the meter at the beginning of the ride.

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Discover more about Et'hem Bej Mosque

Rising gracefully in the center of Tirana, the Et'hem Bey Mosque stands as a testament to Albania's endurance and religious freedom. 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 showcases Ottoman influences blended with local Albanian motifs. The mosque is renowned for its exquisite frescoes, both inside and outside the portico, depicting trees, waterfalls, and bridges – a rarity in Islamic art. These serene landscapes offer a unique artistic expression, setting it apart from other religious structures. The mosque complex includes a prayer hall, a portico surrounding its north side, and a minaret. The prayer hall features a square plan covered by a dome, while the portico is adorned with detailed paintings and ornaments. During the communist regime in Albania, the mosque was closed, but it miraculously survived the widespread destruction of religious institutions. In a powerful act of defiance on January 18, 1991, over 10,000 people, defying the communist authorities, gathered and entered the mosque carrying flags, marking a pivotal moment in the rebirth of religious freedom in Albania. Today, the Et'hem Bey Mosque stands as a symbol of resilience, cultural continuity, and the enduring spirit of Tirana. Visitors are welcome to explore this architectural marvel and experience its serene beauty, but should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.

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