Yeni Mosque: A Blend of Cultures and History

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.