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Yeni Mosque: A Blend of Cultures and History

Explore Thessaloniki's Ottoman past at the Yeni Mosque, a unique blend of architectural styles and a former place of worship for the Donmeh.

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The Yeni Mosque, or Yeni Tzami, stands as a testament to Thessaloniki's diverse past. Built in 1902 by Italian architect Vitaliano Poselli, it served as a place of worship for the Donmeh, Jews who had converted to Islam. Today, it functions as an exhibition space, showcasing the city's vibrant cultural scene and a collection of Roman-era sculptures in its courtyard.

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Local tips

  • Check the Thessaloniki Municipality website for current exhibitions and events at the Yeni Mosque.
  • Visit the courtyard to see the collection of Roman-era marble sculptures.
  • Note that the mosque is not always open to the public, except during exhibitions or special events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Yeni Mosque is located at Archeologikou Mousiou 30, a short walk from the city center. From the White Tower, walk west along Leoforos Vasileos Georgiou. Turn right onto Archeologikou Mousiou street. The Yeni Mosque will be on your left, next to the Archaeological Museum. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near the Yeni Mosque. Check OASTH (Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization) for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A standard single bus fare within the city costs €0.60. The closest bus stops are Agia Triada-Theageneio and Faliro, both a 2-minute walk away.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Thessaloniki. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Yeni Mosque will typically cost around €5-€7 during the day. Taxi fares are calculated based on distance and time, with a base fare of €1.80 and a per-kilometer rate of €0.90 during the day. Be aware that fares may be higher at night (00:00 to 05:00).

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The Yeni Mosque, meaning "New Mosque," is a captivating historical landmark in Thessaloniki, reflecting the city's multicultural heritage. Constructed in 1902 by the Italian architect Vitaliano Poselli, it was designed as a place of worship for the Donmeh community, Jews who had converted to Islam in the 17th century. This unique religious identity is reflected in the building's architecture, which combines Muslim traditions with the fashionable Eclectic style of the early 20th century. The mosque's design incorporates a blend of architectural elements, including Muslim, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau influences. This fusion reflects the Ottoman Empire's attempt to present a more European image during that era. Interestingly, the building features dozens of Stars of David, a subtle nod to the Donmeh's Jewish heritage. Following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s, the Yeni Mosque briefly sheltered refugees. From 1925 to 1963, it served as the city's Archaeological Museum, hence its alternate name, the "Old Archaeological Museum". Today, the Yeni Mosque functions as an exhibition space managed by the Municipality of Thessaloniki, hosting various cultural events and art exhibitions. The courtyard houses a collection of Roman and Early Christian sculptures, including sarcophagi, tombstones, and reliefs, gathered from across Thessaloniki. A marble inscription near the main entrance bears the architect's name in both Ottoman Turkish and Italian.

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