Thessaloniki’s historic Hamza Bey Mosque, known locally as Alkazar, has reopened as a cultural venue after an extensive restoration. The Ottoman-era monument, founded in the 15th century, will now host exhibitions and cultural events.
The restored building was formally handed over to the city on October 10 by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. The Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki (MOMus) will operate the site in cooperation with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Thessaloniki.
A Landmark Built in the 15th Century
Located at the junction of Egnatia and Venizelou streets, Hamza Bey Mosque is the oldest surviving Islamic place of worship in Thessaloniki, according to the city’s Ephorate of Antiquities.
An inscription dates its foundation to 1467–1468. Hafsa Hatun, the daughter of Hamza Bey, established it as a neighborhood prayer house. Later additions transformed the original building into a larger mosque complex, including a courtyard surrounded by arcades.
Its architecture also incorporates reused stone elements from earlier periods, including Late Antique and Byzantine structures. These features reflect the layers of history that shape Thessaloniki’s urban landscape.
From Mosque to Cinema and Back into Public Life
The monument later became known as Alkazar, the name of a cinema that operated in its courtyard for much of the 20th century. Commercial uses and extensive alterations changed the building significantly over the years.
The Ministry of Culture took ownership in 2006. Conservation and restoration work followed, with the latest project beginning in May 2024 and taking less than two years to complete.
For decades, scaffolding obscured the monument from view. Its restoration now makes the historic complex visible again and gives it a new role in the city’s cultural life.
A New Home for Exhibitions
Its opening programme includes an exhibition titled “Thessaloniki: The Imprint of Transition (1960–1980),” featuring photographs by Pete Marifoglou.
The project aims to connect the city’s architectural heritage with contemporary art and introduce the monument to new audiences.
The handover ceremony took place on October 10. The reopening marks a new chapter for a building that has served religious, commercial and cultural purposes across different periods of Thessaloniki’s history.
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