Fethiye Tzami Mosque
Nestled in the picturesque town of Nafpaktos, Greece, the Fethiye Tzami Mosque stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the Ottoman Empire in Greece. Often simply called the Fethiye Mosque or the Great Mosque of Nafpaktos, it was initially built in the 16th century during Ottoman rule in Greece. Located in the heart of Nafpaktos on the eastern banks of the Venetian port, this historic mosque showcases the architectural influence of the Ottoman Empire, creating a unique blend with the surrounding Greek Orthodox structures. With its stunning architectural design and intriguing past, this mosque offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of different cultures and the enduring spirit of the region.
The Ottomans in Nafpaktos, Greece
The Fethiye Tzami Mosque holds a significant place in history, as it represents the Ottoman conquest of Nafpaktos in 1499. Capturing the city from the Venetian Republic, the Ottoman forces immediately constructed the structure on the orders of Sultan Bayezid II. This symbolized the changing political and religious shifts in the region during that period. In fact, ‘fetih’ means ‘conquest’ in Turkish, underscoring the Ottoman's defeat of the Venetians. It was the city’s main place of worship, and at the time, it was also known under the name of its founder as Bayezid-i Veli Mosque.
Over the centuries, the mosque underwent various modifications and renovations, adapting to the needs and cultural influences of different ruling powers. For example, while it has retained its original dome, it does not have a minaret anymore. Today, the building exhibits a fusion of Ottoman and Western architectural elements, showcasing the evolving history of Nafpaktos.
Visiting the Mosque Today
As Nafpaktos has grown in popularity as a tourist destination, the Fethiye Mosque has been extensively restored. Visitors can immediately identify it by its extraordinary dome among the many historic buildings lining the town’s Venetian port. It's a great place to stop for photos on both the port and land sides of the building. Lucky visitors may even be able to step inside, as the building is regularly used to host art exhibitions.