Iliaz Bej Mirahorit Mosque

Mosque in Korçë

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Marmontel

The Iliaz Bej Mirahorit Mosque in Korçë stands as one of Albania’s oldest and most historically significant Islamic monuments. Built in 1496, it was commissioned by Iljaz Bej Mirahori, an Ottoman-Albanian military commander who is credited with founding the city of Korçë in the 15th century. The mosque’s construction marked the beginning of Korçë’s transformation into a regional center of culture and religion under Ottoman rule. Its enduring presence in the city center makes it a vital part of Korçë’s architectural and spiritual heritage.

What sets the Iliaz Bej Mirahorit Mosque apart is its unique construction technique involving lead cubes, a method rarely seen in Albanian architecture. Expert craftsmen from across the Ottoman Empire were brought in to execute the design, ensuring both durability and aesthetic refinement. Inside, the mosque features a series of celebrated frescoes that depict Mecca and other significant Islamic sites, offering worshippers a visual connection to the spiritual heart of Islam. These frescoes are rare in mosque interiors and highlight the artistic ambition behind the building’s design.

The mosque has witnessed centuries of change, including periods of suppression during Albania’s communist era. In the 1990s, the mosque’s original minaret was ceremoniously torn down by order of the regime, symbolizing the broader crackdown on religious expression. However, following the fall of communism, the minaret was rebuilt as a powerful gesture of religious and cultural revival—mirroring the reconstruction of Korçë’s cathedral and marking Albania’s renewed commitment to freedom of belief. This act of restoration reaffirmed the mosque’s role as a living monument to resilience and identity.

Today, the Iliaz Bej Mirahorit Mosque continues to function as a place of worship and a cultural landmark. Its blend of historical significance, architectural uniqueness, and spiritual symbolism makes it a compelling destination for visitors and locals alike. Whether admired for its craftsmanship, its connection to Korçë’s founding, or its role in Albania’s journey toward religious freedom, the mosque remains a quiet yet powerful testament to the city’s layered past and enduring faith.

The Iliaz Bej Mirahorit Mosque appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Korçë!

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