Et'hem Bey Mosque, Tirana (must see)

The Hajji Et'hem Bey Mosque, usually shortened to Et'hem Bey Mosque, is a mosque in the center of Tirana. Facing Skanderbeg Square, the mosque functions both as a religious building and a historical, cultural treasure to the city.

The mosque was built from 1791 through 1821. Construction began under Molla Bey of Petrela who died before the building was complete. Construction continued under Molla Bey's son, Haxhi Ethem Bey. At that time, it was part of a building complex that included the Sulejman Pasha Mosque, the Karapici Mosque and the Old Bazaar.

Some of the more unique features of Et'hem Bey Mosque are the frescoes located on the exterior of the building and in the portico. These frescoes have themes that are rarely found in Islamic art. Trees, waterfalls and bridges are featured within the ornate paintings, which are easily viewed on the mosque's northern wall.

It was closed during communist rule but reopened in 1991 shortly before communism fell in the country. Today, visitors may take enter the mosque for prayer service or they may take one of the daily tours.