Balkan's Largest Mosque Opens in Albania

Built on approximately 10 acres of land, the mosque can accommodate up to 8,000 worshippers at a time, including outdoor areas. In addition to the prayer area, the mosque complex features a conference hall, classrooms, a Qur'an school, an exhibition hall, a library, elevators for the disabled and elderly, offices, and a cultural center.

The opening ceremony was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who laid the mosque's foundation in 2015. President Erdoğan expressed his hope that the Namazgah Mosque, constructed with the contributions of Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs and Diyanet Foundation, would bring blessings to all Muslims.

Erdoğan thanked Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and all who contributed to the project. He highlighted that the Namazgah Mosque stands as a testament to the centuries-old shared history and brotherhood between the two nations. He noted that the mosque's design bridges tradition and modernity, combining classical Ottoman architecture with contemporary construction techniques.

The mosque also houses the "Balkan Cultures Living Together Museum," which aims to reflect Albania's rich cultural heritage. President Erdoğan emphasized the mosque as a symbol of friendship, solidarity, and brotherhood between Türkiye and Albania.

In his speech, Erdoğan also reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to deepening cultural and social ties with Albania. He cited recent examples of cooperation, such as the construction of the Türkiye-Albania Friendship Hospital in Fier and the earthquake relief housing in Laç, as evidence of the strong bond between the two countries.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his gratitude to Türkiye and President Erdoğan for their role in the construction of the mosque, stating that future generations would remember this gesture and the enduring connection between the two nations.