15th-century Alaca Imaret Mosque: A living example of Ottoman architecture

Alaca Imaret Mosque—a 15th-century Ottoman masterpiece—stands proudly in Thessaloniki, Greece. Formally known as Ishak Pasha Mosque, Alaca Imaret was built by order of the Ottoman general and statesman Ishak Pasha in 1484 A.D.

The mosque’s design is a living example of the Ottoman classic architecture with a prominent central dome, brick and stone walls, and vibrant Iznik tile decorations.

Its interior’s originally complex geometric designs, although faded by time, are still visible. In the 20th century, the mosque adapted to modern needs, housing a library and later a store.

The mosque’s prayer hall is covered by two large domes, it has a portico covered by five smaller domes. It had one minaret, which was destroyed after 1912.

Alaca Imaret Mosque stands as a testament to Thessaloniki’s rich tapestry of cultural and religious history, having weathered numerous shifts over the centuries. The mosque’s fine Ottoman architecture makes it an eligible candidate for UNESCO’s World Heritage list.