Islamic Architecture in Greece: Mosques

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The BA Center for Islamic Civilization has recently published Islamic Architecture in Greece: Mosques by Dr. Ahmed Ameen, with an introduction written by Dr. Mostafa el Feki, Director of the BA

The book records the heritage of Islamic architecture in Greece, most of which dates back to the Ottoman Period. The reign of the Ottoman Empire lasted for approximately three centuries in a number of regions in Greece and lasted for five centuries in some other areas in northern Greece.

There are about 300 Islamic antiquities in Greece that include religious, civil, and military architecture. Religious architecture amounts to roughly 150 mosques of significant historical, architectural, and archaeological value. Said mosques ought to be thoroughly examined and documented, for they contain an abundance of Islamic inscriptions and ornamentation that shed light on the historical and political events of the aforementioned period. The writings of Greek mosques also mention the names of their developers and architects and the various titles and positions of other figures—namely the sultans of the Ottoman Empire and their families, ministers, and military commanders—who are in some way connected to these mosques. These writings also include information on other mosques established by Greek Muslims. It is noteworthy that women had a vital role in the establishment of numerous mosques in Greek cities.

The book also includes an analytical study of archaeological sites, raw materials, and the foundations of architectural design in terms of architectural and ornamental elements. Islamic Architecture in Greece: Mosques is part of a series of studies on Islamic civilization that focus on the heritage of Islamic civilization all the way from China in the East to Andalusia in the West.


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