Overview:

The Zekate House, Gjirokastër In Albania, is an 18th century Ottoman residence in the city of Gjirokastër. Located on a hill overlooking the city, this historic structure served as a home to Bey Zekate, a leader of the local beylic. While the house is not open to the public, it continues to play an important role in the local culture as a reminder of Gjirokastër's rich past. Built of limestone and red brick, the Zekate House is characterized by its signature stepped design. It features several balconies, allowing occupants to take in the view of the city below, as well as a large inner courtyard and a terrace with benches and a fountain. Inside the house are several chambers and additional courtyards, each leading to the next. The house is an example of the traditional Ottoman style of architecture, as seen in the use of pointed arches, recesses, and niches. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Two-Dimensional Roof - characteristic of Ottoman Buildings, the double-leveled roof seen on the Zekate House is the product of Ottoman architecture and is unique to Gjirokastër in Albania. 2. Tower - the distinctive tower of the Zekate House stands out among the other buildings in Gjirokastër, reaching a height of about 26 feet. It is thought to be a way of expressing the wealth and power of its owner's family. 3. Red Brick - the red brickwork on the exterior walls of the Zekate House is another feature unique to Gjirokastër and gives the building an impressive stature. 4. Intricate Carvings - embedded in the walls of the Zekate House is a series of hand-carved designs, giving the building an intricate and awe-inspiring appearance. 5. Gable - another feature unique to Gjirokastër is the inclusion of the 'Merdaringgë' (or 'Mercadura') - a triangular-shaped gable roof placed at the centre of the façade that signifies the importance of the building. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Zekate House, located in Gjirokastër in southern Albania, is a cultural and historic monument. It was built in the early 17th century as the home of the Zekate family. It served as the headquarters of Mehmed Pasha Zekate, the local Ottoman governor. During Ottoman rule, it played a key role in the affairs of Muslim families in the area. The house was later used as the headquarters of local tax collection and is now a museum, showcasing the city’s Ottoman period and its cultural and architectural history. It features a marble floor and carved wooden ceilings with fine mortar decorations, along with carpets, furniture, and other artifacts. The house has two floors connected by a wide staircase. The ground floor consists of a large atrium, living rooms, and a room used to entertain guests. The second floor is divided into bedrooms, storerooms, and a kitchen with a fireplace. In 2009, the house was declared a national monument and remains one of the leading attractions in Gjirokastër. Once a site of cultural and political importance, it now serves as an important reminder of the Ottoman past and serves as a major touristic destination. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Zekate House is one of the most famous historic monuments in Albania. It is located in Gjirokastër, a city in southern Albania. 2. The house was built by the Zekate family, one of the most famous and influential families in Gjirokastër during the Ottoman period. 3. The home was constructed in 1750 and has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. 4. The Zekate House is built in the traditional style of the “Unpromenad” which was found among old Albanian Upper City dwellings. 5. The house was the home of Çoba Zekate, one of Gjirokastër’s leading merchants. 6. The house has a unique interior, featuring a private chapel, terraces, and balconies, as well as a room dedicated to the reading of holy scriptures. 7. Zekate House is renowned for its beautiful gardens and woodwork, as well as its colorful frescoes and sculptures. 8. In 1999, the government of Albania purchased the house, restored it and opened it to the public as a museum preserving the memories and life of the Zekate family. 9. In 2010, Zekate House celebrated its 260th anniversary, a celebration that took place in the presence of important foreign dignitaries, including the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era