Yali Tzami: The Sole Turkish-built Mosque in Chania

During the restoration works and subsequent research conducted by the Ephorate of Antiquities, it was discovered that a small single-aisled church had originally occupied the mosque's location. The mosque itself is a cubic building with a large hemispherical dome, supported by four intricate stone arches instead of a drum. On its west and north sides, there is an arcade roofed by six small domes also without drums.

Today, the mosque has been restored, although its small minaret, which was demolished in 1920 (or 1939), is no longer present. Over time, the building has served various purposes, including hosting the Archaeological Museum of Chania, functioning as a warehouse, housing the Museum of Folk Art, and serving as an Information Office for the Greek National Tourism Organization. Presently, the space is utilised for temporary exhibitions.

Information: Municipality of Chania

Photo: wikipedia.