Et`hem Bey Mosque, a stunning gem of our cultural heritage and a beautiful landmark just off Tirana’s main Skanderbeg Square, has been restored to its former glory on the eve of the Holy month of Ramadan following a colossal work that saw its full restoration down to the last detail.

“We have actually entered a final stage of the restoration project. The mosque is now complete. Restoration of the frescos has completed. Latest state-of-the-art restoration techniques have been used. Colossal work has been done to rehabilitate the buildings foundations, waterproofing and expansion of the mosque’s functions. Restoration of the frescos and the roofs has taken most of the time. The pandemic actually hampered work, but we reorganized the construction process by resorting to smaller working teams and the result is one of the best and most excellent restoration works ever carried out on mosques and religious sites in Albania,” Culture Minister Elva Margariti said as she accompanied Prime Minister Edi Rama during a visit to the Et’hem Bey Mosque today.

“May your fasting and prayer be accepted and God bless you and all Albanians,” Prime Minister Edi Rama wished Muslim faithful, voicing confidence the Holy month of Ramadan will coincide with the decisive efforts to head closer to the light in the end of the exhausting tunnel of the pandemic.

“It was just a month ago when it was almost unimaginable you were to start the most important month of the year significantly relaxed and relieved from the terrible restrictions of the pandemic. With the curfew shortened you will be able to observe all the rituals. I am very confident this month will be very energizing and with exit from the tunnel of the pandemic, with the launch of the tourism season, with reopening of all jobs and, as you say, surely with hardship comes ease, and we will have a completely different perspective. I avail myself of this opportunity to extend my wishes to the Muslim community may your fasting be accepted and God bless you and all Albanians.”