Turkish-led restoration keeps Albania’s Shkodra Lead Mosque safe from floods
The historic Lead Mosque in northern Albania’s Shkodra region has successfully withstood recent heavy rainfall and flooding, thanks to restoration and infrastructure improvements carried out with support from Türkiye.
Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja confirmed on social media platform X that the mosque, which was previously affected by floods in 2022, remained unharmed during the latest storm. Gonxhja noted, “Through the restoration project supported by the Turkish government, the mosque’s historical and architectural value has been fully preserved.
Constructed by Mehmet Bushati between 1773 and 1774, the Lead Mosque is Albania’s largest Ottoman-era mosque. It was declared a cultural monument in 1948, but suffered significant damage during the 1967 communist ban on religion, including the destruction of its minaret.
The mosque reopened for worship on Nov. 16, 1990, and has since become one of the country’s key religious landmarks.
Restoration and flood protection measures
Restoration work began in September 2022, funded by the Turkish Directorate General of Foundations. The project not only restored the mosque’s original architectural features but also included flood protection measures such as retaining walls and upgraded drainage systems. These improvements enabled the mosque to withstand the recent severe rainfall without damage.
Official reopening and cultural cooperation
The mosque was officially reopened on May 8, 2025, in a ceremony attended via live connection by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
