Greece's Ministry of Culture has launched a restoration project for the Murat Reis complex, a significant Ottoman monument located on the island of Rhodes.
The complex, encompassing eight acres on the island's northern tip, includes a mosque, mausoleums, and a cemetery. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds both cultural and historical importance.
“The Murat Reis Mosque, which has remained closed since 2000, is a very important monument of local Muslim history. At the same time, it is a special example of architecture, which combines characteristics of the Ottoman Baroque era with Egyptian and neoclassical elements,” Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni said in a press release issued on March 21.
Built in the 17th century, the complex initially served as the town's administrative centre. Murat Reis, a prominent admiral under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, played a key role in conquering Rhodes and is buried within the complex grounds.
The restoration project, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund with a budget of 400,000 euros, is overseen by the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Dodecanese. The focus will be on addressing issues related to aging materials, moisture damage, and the corrosive effects of the nearby sea.
While the mosque itself has withstood centuries of wear and tear, including damage from the 1912 Italian bombardment, it remains structurally sound. However, the mausoleum of Mehmed Shakib Pasha, which collapsed in 2013, will require more extensive work. Investigations revealed construction flaws and material degradation as the primary causes of the collapse.
Interestingly, historical records indicate Mehmed Shakib Pasha, a former Egyptian governor, was exiled to Rhodes, where he and his wife passed away in 1909 and were buried in the mausoleum. The current structure, however, dates back to the Italian occupation period after 1927.
This restoration project signifies Greece's commitment to preserving its diverse cultural heritage, ensuring the Murat Reis complex remains a testament to its rich past.
(Source: Balkan Insight)
