Fatih Mosque, Durrës

The Fatih Mosque (Albanian Xhamia Fatih, locally also called Xhamia e Vogël to German "Little Mosque ", as opposed to a few meters away Great Mosque ) is an important historical building in the central Albanian port city of Durres. It is the third oldest mosque in the country and was declared a cultural monument in 1973. The Fatih Mosque is located in the historic center of Durres adjacent to the city walls from the Venetian period.

Method of construction

The mosque consists of the main building and the north-west minaret attached. The rectangular prayer hall is housed in the main building. Interior, windows and doors are made of wood material.

Predecessor

The Fatih Mosque was built on the ruins of an early Christian basilica, which was part of the ancient Dyrrachium thriving city. From her few remaining walls are only remained, including the northern arcade and the Western Wall.

History

The Fatih Mosque was built in 1502-1503 and is named after the conqueror of Constantinople Sultan Mehmed II " the Conqueror" (Arabic Fatih ). It is the first building in Durres, which was built after its conquest by the Ottomans in 1502. After a ruined mosque in Berat (Year: 1380 ) and the Mirahor Mosque in Korçë ( 1494-1496 ), the Fatih Mosque is the third oldest Islamic house of worship in Albania.

During the communist era and the associated imposition of religious ban ( atheism ) 1967 by the former dictator Enver Hoxha remained the mosque for 23 years closed to the public. In 1990, Albania started its democracy - turnaround and all places of worship in the country were opened again, and the Fatih Mosque opened its doors.

Restoration 2011

In March 2011, the renovation of the mosque was completed. With the help of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports and the Muslim Community of Albania Lek total of 5 million has been invested (equivalent to approximately 35,000 euros ). Here, the roof, the exterior facade, doors and windows were restored consisting of wood and metal fences.