Et'hem Bej Mosque

AL, Sheshi Skënderbej, Tiranë 1000, Albania

RATING (4.5)

Reviews

Lúcia Queiros
Lúcia Queiros
3 months ago

This mosque, built by Ottoman Turks in the 1790s, contains lovely frescoes that look uniquely Albanian. Many of its panels consist of feathery representations of items like minaret tops, purses or pouches. Others depict buildings, some looking like small cities; some like resorts with blowing palm trees. Other frescoes show nature scenes: forests, cataracts and watercourses. I’ve never seen frescoes like these in other mosques. Entrance requires no headscarf, but does require covered shoulders and legs. Respect the ceremonies being conducted in this very busy mosque.

Gabriela Smrčková
Gabriela Smrčková
2 months ago

It is definitely a place to visit while in Tirana as it is one of the oldest buildings in the city which survived the prior regime destroying religious buildings all around the city and country. Unfortunately right now it is under reconstruction so you cant get in but hopefully it'll be finnished soon.

ardit Caushi
ardit Caushi
2 months ago

A unique mosque situated in the very heart of Tirana. The mosque, the Clock Tower, National Museum and National Theatre of Opera and Ballet from the surrounds to the famous Skanderbeg Square. Et’hem Bey Mosque was founded at the end of 18th century by Mulla Bey, with the shrine finished by his son Haxhi Et’hem Bey in the first quarter of the following century. The mosque was one of the few to be spared the destruction during which churches, mosques, tekkes, monasteries and other religious institutions were either closed or pulled down, or converted into warehouses, gymnasiums or workshops by the end of 1967. On 18thJanuary, 1991, despite opposition from the communist authorities, 10,000 people entered carrying flags. This was at the onset of the fall of communism in Albania. The event was a milestone in the rebirth of religious freedom in the country. Visitors can see the wonderful architecture of the mosque and its exquisite decorations of wall and ceiling paintings from oriental traditions. The frescoes of the mosque depict trees, waterfalls and bridges, still life paintings that are a rarity in Islamic art.

Blubber4444 .
Blubber4444 .
2 months ago

I was only outside, but it looks nice.

Petr Sobíšek
Petr Sobíšek
7 months ago

The oldest mosque in the city and the only one that survived the communist regime. As a visitor you can enter, see the interior and take pictures (I asked first) without any problems. You just have to take off your shoes and women have to cover their heads (a scarf is for rent for free).