Et'hem Bey Mosque

Et’hem Bey Mosque is an early 19th century mosque in central Tirana, Albania, known for its richly painted interior panels and historical significance in the city. The mosque was commissioned by Molla Bey and completed by his son Haxhi Et’hem Bey; its painted scenes include trees, birds and waterfalls uncommon in mosque decoration.

The mosque was an active religious site until state atheism policies during the communist era led to its closure; it reopened in 1991 and became a focal point of Albania’s return to public religious practice. The building combines Ottoman-era architectural features with local decorative traditions.

The mosque stands on Skanderbeg Square in central Tirana, adjacent to civic buildings and pedestrian zones, and is easily reached on foot from other central landmarks.

• Art and decoration: Built in the early 19th century and decorated with frescoes depicting landscapes, waterfalls and trees that are notable examples of Ottoman-influenced Albanian mosque art.
• Location and modern history: Located on Skanderbeg Square in central Tirana; it was closed during the communist era and famously reopened for public worship in 1991.