Fire Damages 600-Year-Old Mosque in Northern Greece

The 15th century Ottoman Bayezid mosque is seen damaged following a fire at the northeastern town.

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Komotini, Greece, 24 Jumadil Akhir 1438/23 March 2017 (MINA) – A historic Ottoman-era mosque in northern Greece which was undergoing renovations was severely damaged in an early-morning fire on Wednesday, Anadolu Agency reported, citing local media.

The cause of the blaze in the mostly wooden Sultan Bayezid mosque in Didymoteicho town remains unknown.

However, Greek news agency ANA-MPA reported that an electrical fault could be responsible. Culture Ministry official Maria Andreadaki-Vlazaki is expected to visit the site later on Wednesday.

The wooden roof of the mosque, which was a special architectural feature, was completely destroyed, ANA-MPA added.

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Construction of the Sultan Bayezid mosque, also known as the Sultan Celebi Mehmet mosque, started in 1389 and was completed in 1420, during the early-Ottoman era.

In 2010 the Greek authorities decided to restore the mosque; work was due to be finished this year.

The building had been closed to worship. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

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