Greece plans to open Ottoman-era Imaret in Gümülcine to the public
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni says plans to restore the historic Imaret in Gümülcine (Komotini) and convert it into a museum are expected to receive approval by the end of 2026. The Archaeological Museum of Komotini has also been included in the restoration programme.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni visited the Rhodope regional unit on Wednesday, 4 November, and inspected the Imaret, one of the significant examples of early Ottoman architecture in Gümülcine (Komotini), built during the period of Gazi Evrenos Bey.
Mendoni said a timetable had been set for the historic building's future, with the authorities aiming to secure approval by the end of the year for a museum plan covering its two wings and the area containing the former icehouse.
EXHIBITION TO HIGHLIGHT KOMOTINI'S MULTICULTURAL HISTORY
The minister said the former icehouse section is planned to host an exhibition exploring the history of Gümülcine and its multicultural character.
She also confirmed that discussions were continuing with the Hellenic Public Properties Company (ETAD) over the restoration of the Imaret.
According to Mendoni, the Culture Ministry is in talks with ETAD regarding the transfer of certain parts of the property. Once the transfer process is completed, work can begin on preparing the restoration projects and the museum plan.
The stated aim is to restore the Imaret, open it to the public and integrate the historic building into the city's cultural life.
RESTORED BYZANTINE-ERA CHURCH OPENS TO VISITORS
During her visit to Rhodope, Mendoni also attended the inauguration of a restored church at Mesine Kale (Maximianoupolis).
The restoration project, which cost approximately €1.5 million, was carried out by the Culture Ministry with funding from the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Mendoni described the church as one of the most important surviving historical testimonies at ancient Maximianoupolis, a significant centre during the Byzantine period.
The restored church has officially opened to visitors. The minister said she particularly hoped school groups would visit the site to learn about the region's history firsthand.
KOMOTINI ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM ALSO SET FOR RESTORATION
Mendoni announced that the Archaeological Museum of Gümülcine (Komotini) had also been included in the restoration programme.
The project, being developed in cooperation with the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, is expected to be ready for implementation by the end of the year, once the necessary approvals have been secured.
Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis said the regional administration had established good cooperation with the Culture Ministry and would provide the necessary support to protect and promote the cultural heritage of Rhodope and the wider Thrace region.
Photo: Greek Ministry of Culture / Facebook
