Kos Mosques

The rich history of Kos has vividly left its mark on the island’s architecture. A characteristic example of this are the various mosques that can be found around Kos, a strong reminder of Ottoman rule on the island, which lasted from 1523 to 1912. According to historical records, there were as many as 17 Ottoman mosques around the island in 1886, five of which can still be seen to this day.

First and foremost among them is the Defterdar Mosque in Eleftherias Square, in the heart of Kos Town. Built at the end of the 18th century, it is one of the two mosques to be still operational today, serving the Muslim community of Kos. It is an imposing two-story cubical building with an octagonal dome and provides a prime example of Islamic architecture.

Within walking distance from the Defterdar Mosque stands the Gazi Hasan Pasha Mosque, which is commonly known as the Loggia Mosque. Located in the same square as the legendary Plane Tree of Hippocrates, it is relatively well-preserved and stands out for its masonry, with tufa rocks of different shades creating a unique aesthetic effect. It boasts a huge and impressive minaret, as well as an elaborate fourteen-sided domed fountain supported by arches and columns. One of its most remarkable features is the seemingly incongruous sculptures that have been placed in niches at the base of the minaret.

Walking around the historical center of Kos, visitors will also see two smaller mosques. One of them is the Moruk Mosque in Ifestou Street, a modest yet elegant late 19th-century structure that reflects the changing architectural and cultural trends of the time. As for the other one, which is known as Atik Mosque, it stands close to the old Turkish cemetery and is characterized by graceful arches and simple yet elegant lines.

Around 3 kilometers southwest of Kos Town, visitors will find the village of Platani, which was originally settled by Muslims. There stands the second still-operational mosque, which also bears the name of Gazi Hasan Pasha. Dating from the 1780s, it boasts elegant interior decorations with floral patterns in white, red and blue colors.