Bayezid Mosque in Dimetoka set to reopen before Christmas

Restoration work on the historic Bayezid Mosque, also known as the Çelebi Sultan Mehmed Mosque, in Didymoteicho is nearing completion, with the landmark Ottoman-era building expected to reopen to visitors before Christmas.

The restoration is scheduled to be completed within the first 10 days of December, while the reopening ceremony is planned to take place before Christmas. The mosque suffered extensive damage in a fire in 2017.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni visited the mosque during her tour of Western Thrace to inspect the restoration work. Accompanied by Didymoteicho Mayor Romilos Hatzigiannoglou, she received an update on the progress of the project.

Mendoni said the main stages of the restoration had largely been completed, while landscaping and final interior works were still underway.

AROUND 7,000 WOODEN PIECES USED IN DOME RESTORATION

One of the most notable aspects of the project has been the reconstruction of the mosque’s dome. Work is continuing to install approximately 7,000 small wooden pieces as part of the restoration.

According to the timetable outlined during the visit, the restoration is expected to be completed in early December, paving the way for the mosque to welcome visitors again before Christmas.

HISTORIC LANDMARK TO RETURN TO CITY LIFE

Mayor Romilos Hatzigiannoglou said the reopening of the historic mosque was long-awaited and would bring an important landmark back into the life of the city.

He noted that the building, which had been associated with images of fire damage and destruction for nearly a decade, was expected to regain its place among Didymoteicho’s defining landmarks and become an important attraction for visitors.

The completion of the restoration will mark a significant step in preserving one of Didymoteicho’s major examples of Ottoman-era cultural heritage, which has remained closed since the 2017 fire.