Efem Bey Mosque

Xhamia e Et’hem Beut Mosque

Mosque of Efem Bey is located in the center of the Albanian capital Tirana. Its construction began in 1789 and lasted 34 years: started by his father Molla Bey and finished by his son Nahci Efem Bey, who was the great-grandson of Pasha Suleiman. During the communist regime in the country, the mosque was closed, but despite stiff opposition among the authorities, 10,000 people succeeded in reopening it. From that moment, the fall of Albanian communism began.

The mosque of Efem Bey is the oldest structure in Skanderbeg Square. This mosque is famous not only for its ancient history, of which there are very few in Tirana. The building is amazing because inside it is painted on the motifs of the religious buildings of Jerusalem.

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Originally, the tower of the mosque was not high. In 1928 it was reconstructed, after which the height reached 35 meters. The tower offers a marvelous panorama of the city.

Tourists

Today the mosque is active and open to tourists of different nationalities and religions. By removing their shoes at the entrance to the building, they can enter the interior of the building to take immense pleasure in the beautiful mosaic decoration of the dome and walls.

In the evening, after sunset, the tower presents an even more beautiful sight. The stunning illuminations of the minaret and the building itself can be seen from the farthest reaches of the city.

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You cannot consider that you have understood Albania, its people and traditions if you have not visited the mosque of Efem Bey. It is considered the most characteristic historical testimony of the development of the country and the culture of its people.

Where is located

The Efem Bey Mosque is located in the very center of Tirana, next to the main square of Skanderbeg.