A nearly 400-year-old Ottoman mosque on the Greek island of Lesvos has reopened to visitors following an extensive 1.8 million euro restoration project. During the EU-funded renovations, researchers uncovered an inscription revealing the structure’s true name is the Balizade Hasan Bey Mosque, correcting its long-standing misidentification as the “Valide Mosque.” The comprehensive architectural project structurally reinforced the 17th-century building and completely restored its striking 17.5-meter-high stone minaret to its original glory. Rather than opening for worship, the Greek Ministry of Culture announced that the historic landmark will now serve as a museum and cultural venue. The beautifully restored site aims to become a major attraction, showcasing the island’s rich, multicultural Ottoman-era heritage to the world.
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