Defterdar Mosque: A Testament to Ottoman Heritage in Kos

The Defterdar Mosque, also known as the Nefterdar Mosque, is situated in Eleftherias Square, the central hub of Kos Town. Constructed around 1780 by Ibrahim Efendi, the Financial Minister of the Ottoman Empire, the mosque showcases the island's Ottoman influence.The mosque features a two-story cubical structure topped with an octagonal dome supported by twelve arches. The building is constructed with hewn ashlars, larger on the ground floor and smaller on the first, arranged in the iso-building system. Inside, eight columns support the structure, while the walls are adorned with circular frames bearing inscriptions from the Koran. Two staircases on the eastern and western sides lead to the narthex, with the eastern staircase, distinguished by its vaulted cover, once used by officials. A wooden gynakonitis, or women's quarters, is located on the north side of the main hall, while the mihrab and minbar stand to the south.Local Koan historian Zarraftis suggests the mosque may have been built on the site of a former Christian church dedicated to Saint Paraskevi, adding a layer of historical complexity. The mosque has endured damage from earthquakes, particularly in 1926, 1933 and most recently in 2017, which caused the minaret to collapse. Restoration efforts have been undertaken, including work by the Italians during their occupation of the Dodecanese. While the mosque has served as a place of worship and housed commercial shops on its ground floor, it is currently awaiting restoration.