Largest mosque officially inaugurates in Albania’s capital, Tirana
The Namazgah Mosque in Tirana was officially opened on October 10, 2024, becoming the largest mosque in Albania and the Balkans, marking a significant milestone after decades of religious suppression during the communist era.
Designed in classic Ottoman style, the mosque represents a turning point in the country’s history. Muslims, who made up more than half of Albania’s population according to the 2023 census, had long faced marginalization, particularly during the communist regime (1944-1991), which adopted state atheism policies.
The mosque is located near the Albanian Parliament and can accommodate 10,000 worshippers, with 8,000 inside and 2,000 in the outdoor courtyard. It features four 50-meter-high minarets, a central dome standing 30 meters tall, and cultural facilities including a library, conference hall, and exhibition spaces.
Imam Gazmend Teka, the mosque’s leader, stated that the mosque fulfills an urgent need for prayer space, as many Muslims in the capital had been praying in the streets due to a lack of mosques, adding that, “the mosque highlights religious harmony in Albania, where different religions coexist peacefully.”
The mosque now attracts visitors from various faiths, symbolizing religious tolerance in a country where different communities live in harmony. According to worshippers, Namazgah is not just a place of worship but an open space for all, reflecting the spirit of tolerance and openness that defines Albanian society after a period of religious repression.
