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Defterdar Mosque: A Testament to Ottoman Heritage in Kos

Explore the Ottoman-era Defterdar Mosque in Kos Town, a historical landmark reflecting the island's rich cultural tapestry and architectural heritage.

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The Defterdar Mosque, situated in Eleftherias Square in Kos Town, stands as a remarkable example of Ottoman architecture. Built in the late 18th century, it reflects the island's diverse cultural history. Though damaged by earthquakes, it remains a significant landmark, offering a glimpse into Kos's Ottoman past.

A brief summary to Defterdar Mosque

  • Irodotou 11, Kos, 853 00, GR

Local tips

  • Explore Eleftherias Square, where the mosque is located, to see other historical landmarks.
  • Take photos of the mosque's unique architecture, including its dome, arches, and marble fountain.
  • Check for ongoing restoration updates, as the mosque has been damaged by earthquakes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Defterdar Mosque is centrally located in Eleftherias Square in Kos Town, making it easily accessible on foot from most points within the town. From the Kos Town harbor, walk inland towards the center of the town. Eleftherias Square is a well-known landmark, and the mosque is situated there. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes from the harbor area.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by public bus, disembark at the main bus station in Kos Town, located at 7 Kleopatras Street. From there, walk towards the town center and Eleftherias Square, where the Defterdar Mosque is located. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. Bus tickets typically cost around €1.50 - €2.50 within Kos Town. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Kos Town. A short taxi ride to the Defterdar Mosque in Eleftherias Square from the harbor or bus station will cost approximately €5-€7. Ensure the taxi meter is running or agree on a fare before starting your journey. Taxi apps like Aegean Taxi are also available.

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Discover more about Defterdar Mosque

The Defterdar Mosque, also known as the Nefterdar Mosque, is located in Eleftherias Square, the central hub of Kos Town. Constructed towards the end of the 18th century, around 1780 or 1786, by Ibrahim Efendi, the Ottoman Sultan's Minister of Finance (Defterdar), the mosque exemplifies Islamic architecture. The title “defterdar” was given to the highest-ranking economic officials of the Ottoman administration. The mosque is a two-story cubical structure distinguished by an octagonal dome supported by twelve arches. The building is constructed with hewn ashlars, featuring larger stones on the ground floor and smaller ones on the first floor. Two staircases on the eastern and western sides lead to the narthex, with the eastern staircase, once used by officials, featuring a vaulted cover. Inside, eight columns support the structure, while walls are adorned with circular frames bearing inscriptions from the Koran. On the north side of the main hall, there is a wooden gynaikonitis, a traditional women's quarter. The mihrab and minbar are located on the south side. A minaret stands on the western side, and nearby, an octagonal marble fountain with a domed roof rests on six arches. Historical records indicate that there were as many as 17 Ottoman mosques on Kos in 1886, with five still visible today. The Defterdar Mosque has faced challenges, including significant damage from earthquakes in 1926, 1933 and more recently in 2017. The minaret collapsed during the 2017 earthquake. Restoration efforts were carried out by the Italians during their occupation of the Dodecanese islands between 1912 and 1930. According to local tradition, the mosque may have been built on the site of a former Christian church dedicated to Saint Paraskevi. The ground floor, divided into smaller areas with street exits, once served as ancillary rooms and later housed shops from the early 20th century until the 2017 earthquake.

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