Fatih Mosque, Durrës
Durrës
The Fatih Mosque, also known as the Small Mosque or the Old Mosque, is a significant historical and religious site located in the coastal city of Durrës, Albania. Constructed in 1502, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of the city, it was named in honor of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The mosque is one of the oldest in Albania and was built on the remains of a former basilica, parts of which, including northern arcades and western walls dating back to the 13th-14th centuries, are still preserved. During the communist era under Enver Hoxha, the mosque was closed and its minaret was demolished as part of the state's atheist policies. After 1991, the mosque was reopened and the minaret was rebuilt in a simpler style. Today, it functions as an active place of worship under the Muslim Community of Albania and stands as a Cultural Monument of Albania since 1973, reflecting the rich historical layers of Durrës and its Ottoman past.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider visiting the Fatih Mosque during daylight hours to appreciate its architectural details and historical context. It is advisable to check opening times ahead, especially during religious holidays. Purchasing tickets is generally not required as it is an active place of worship, but respectful dress and behavior are recommended. The best time to visit is outside of prayer times to avoid disruption. No specific discounts apply, but guided tours of Durrës often include the mosque as a highlight.
Faits intéressants
- •The mosque was built on the ruins of a 13th-14th century basilica, preserving some of its walls and arcades.
- •Its minaret was demolished during the communist atheist campaign around 1967 and rebuilt after 1991 in a simpler style.
- •The mosque is named after Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, who conquered Constantinople in 1453.
- •It was designated a Cultural Monument of Albania in 1973.
Histoire
The Fatih Mosque was constructed between 1502 and 1503, immediately following the Ottoman conquest of Durrës by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, after whom the mosque is named.
It was built atop the ruins of a medieval basilica, remnants of which remain visible today.
The mosque served as a religious center for centuries until the communist regime in Albania imposed state atheism around 1967, leading to its closure and the destruction of its minaret.
After the fall of communism in 1991, the mosque was restored and its minaret was rebuilt in a simpler form, reinstating its role in the religious and cultural life of Durrës.
Guide du lieu
Northern Arcades and Western Wall13th-14th century
These are remnants of the original basilica on which the mosque was built, featuring medieval construction techniques from the 13th-14th centuries.
The Minaret1502; rebuilt post-1991
Originally built with the mosque in 1502, the minaret was destroyed during the communist atheist period and later reconstructed after 1991 in a simpler architectural style.
Contact
Téléphone: 069 626 2317
