Overview:

and History Xhamia e Beqarëve (meaning Mosque of the Bachelors) is one of the oldest mosques in the city of Gjirokastër, in Albania. It is located in the old part of the city, near the main bazaar. The mosque was built during the Ottoman Empire, in 1817, and has been used as a place of worship for the local Muslim population ever since. The mosque is a significant representation of Islamic heritage in Gjirokastër, and a symbol of the city's Muslim heritage. The mosque features a single minaret, a wooden-clad facade, and a dome with intricate geometric patterns that have been the inspiration for local artwork. The interior of the mosque is simple, with a tiled floor and a few benches to sit during prayer times. The mosque is still in use today, with regular worship services held for the local Muslim community. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

, the Xhamia e Beqarëve is an historic mosque located in the city of Gjirokastër. Built in the 18th century, it is considered one of the most important cultural monuments in the city. The Xhamia e Beqarëve is a single-room mosque which features Orbanian architectural elements including an octagonal minimally decorated interior, two distinguishable tiers of arched windows along its walls, and its distinctive square minaret which stands on the eastern side of the building. Inside the mosque, the main prayer hall features an elaborately decorated wooden ceiling and an intricate mihrab which stands in front of the qibla wall. In addition to its architectural significance, the Xhamia e Beqarëve also has important historical value as it is believed to have been built to those unmarried men of the city who had fallen in the fight for Alaeddin Pasha against the Ottomans in 1822. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Xhamia e Beqarëve (literally meaning The Mosque of Bachelors) is a historic mosque located in Gjirokastër, a city in southern Albania. The mosque is believed to have been built during the 14th century and it served as an important religious and social hub for the citizens of Gjirokastër. The mosque was used as a gathering place for young men and women to come together to ask for blessings from God and celebrate their community. During the course of Ottoman rule in the 16th century, the mosque underwent numerous renovations and enlargements to accommodate the growing numbers of worshippers. The interior of the mosque was decorated with Ottoman tiles and it houses a sanctuary that leads to a garden. This garden contains a sacred spring, believed to have healing powers. In 1948, the mosque was converted into a cultural centre and arts gallery, but during the communist dictatorship between 1945–1991, it was stripped of its religious character and teachings and used as a theatre and other forms of entertainment. Since the fall of communism, it has regained its religious character, and today, it is again a functioning mosque where religious activities are held regularly. Xhamia e Beqarëve is a beautiful example of traditional Islamic architecture in Albania and it has great cultural and religious significance for the citizens of Gjirokastër. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Xhamia e Beqarëve, or the Mosque of Bachelors, is a mosque located in the city of Gjirokastër in southwestern Albania. 2. The dignified 17th century building is the largest Ottoman-era mosque in Albania. It is located within the walls of the Gjirokastër Castle. 3. The graceful building was constructed in 1618, under the reign of Sultan Murat II. 4. Uniquely, the building is composed of two sections, which are joined by a bridge with a hidden door. The two sections are called the Room of Bachelors and the Room of Brides. 5. The mysterious interior of the building has large blue tiles with intricate floral motifs. It is also full of religious symbols, such as stars and crescents. 6. The mosque also contains stone benches and a raised platform in the middle of the room. It is said that the platform is where the Imam used to give spiritual advice. 7. The mosque is still used today, however, it is not used for religious services. Instead, it serves as a tourist attraction. 8. Xhamia e Beqarëve is a popular destination for visitors, who come to admire its unique architecture. In 2008, it was even inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era