Defterdar Mosque in İstanköy (Kos) undergoing restoration

The historic Ottoman-era Defterdar Mosque, located in the center of İstanköy Island, along with its Moorish-style marble fountain, is being restored after suffering severe damage in the 2017 earthquake.

According to reports in the Greek press, the restoration project is being carried out under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture. The mosque and its complex are now close to regaining their original form.

The Ministry of Culture has allocated €1.5 million for the restoration of the mosque. The total cost of the project is €1.5 million, while overall cultural restoration works on the island of Kos are being financed through the Recovery Fund and the Public Investment Program with a budget exceeding €10 million.

Historical Background and Earthquake Damage

Built in the 18th century by Ottoman treasurer İbrahim Pasha, Defterdar Mosque has withstood centuries of challenges and is officially listed as a protected historical monument by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

The mosque was severely damaged in the major earthquakes of 1926 and 1933, during which time Kos was under Italian administration. Italian authorities undertook a major restoration, including the removal and rebuilding of the minaret’s upper section. The minaret later required further restoration in 2004–2005. Aside from these efforts, no systematic maintenance had been carried out until now.

Following the 2017 earthquake, commercial activity on the ground floor of the mosque was suspended. Once restoration work began, additional structural damages—previously undetected—were discovered beneath the ground-level shops.

Restoration in Line with Historic Character

Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni commented on the project:

“The project covers the restoration of both the ground-floor commercial spaces and the upper-floor prayer hall. The courtyard fountain will be reconstructed in its original form and repositioned, while the minaret will be rebuilt. The mosque will also be equipped with fire safety systems, lightning protection, and special lighting. Our aim is to reintegrate this symbolic monument into İstanköy’s cultural identity and to enhance the aesthetics of the historic town center.”

Minister Mendoni also highlighted that no significant preservation work was initiated on damaged heritage sites on Kos between the 2017 earthquake and 2019. Preparations began in 2020, followed by tenders and the implementation of restoration projects.

“Alongside Defterdar Mosque, other important monuments such as Phoros Gate and Nerantzia Castle have also been restored and reopened to the public,” she added.