Visitors say
The restoration is still ongoing. We couldn't go inside. I think if there's anything that can be done financially, our government should intervene. Unfortunately, it seems they'll wait until the mosque collapses.
Unfortunately, the Ottoman New Mosque is neglected. A sign outside shows plans for restoration, and hopefully we will see the day it reopens for worship.
About
The Valide Mosque (Greek: Βαλιδέ Τζαμί, from Turkish: Valide Camii, lit. 'Mosque of the Valide Sultan'), known locally as the Valide Djami, is a former mosque in Mytilene, on the island of Lesbos, in the North Aegean region of Greece. Completed in 1615 during the Ottoman era, the mosque was abandoned in the 1920s, following the Balkan Wars and the Greco-Turkish population exchange, and is in a partial ruinous state.
Before you go
What to expect
Standing before the Valide Mosque, you encounter over four centuries of layered history in a single structure — Ottoman stonework from 1615 weathered by time, war, and the displacement of the 1920s population exchange. It is a quiet, contemplative spot in central Mytilene where the island's Ottoman chapter becomes tangible rather than abstract.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for this outdoor historic site; summer midday heat can make lingering around exposed ruins quite draining.
How to get there
The mosque sits within easy walking distance of central Mytilene and its port — just a few minutes on foot from the main waterfront.
Details
Categories
Visitor Reviews
Ozd
September 2024
The restoration is still ongoing. We couldn't go inside. I think if there's anything that can be done financially, our government should intervene. Unfortunately, it seems they'll wait until the mosque collapses.
Caglar Tatar
May 2023
Unfortunately, it is in a dilapidated state. While they are pouring millions of dollars into mosques in places that are difficult to even find on a map, not a single nail has been hammered into this mosque, which is part of the Ottoman heritage, and it has been left in ruins for years.
Aliosman Ay
December 2022
Unfortunately, the Ottoman New Mosque is neglected. A sign outside shows plans for restoration, and hopefully we will see the day it reopens for worship.
τσιμπα τονε
August 2022
Restoration work is underway. Fortunately, because for better or worse it belongs to the cultural heritage of the island and should enjoy the protection and promotion of the archaeological service. I, for example, have never visited a mosque and it would be a great opportunity to enter a mosque museum. Now for our Turkish friends who complain about the abandonment of Turkish monuments to go to their country and see what condition our churches are in and how much they respect their own cultural heritage.
Vivi S.
September 2021
Abandoned. Such a pity it's worth a restoration.
kelali kırıkçı
January 2020
Is there any Turkish citizen who wouldn't be moved by this sight? "I reached its threshold and kissed it, Surrounded by thorns. I saw inscriptions on its great altar, Who knows from what blessed time they remain?... Hey Rıza! Bow your head in prostration and moan, Let the stones speak with your sorrow; Let me tell you a legend, weep and listen, That glorious past was apparently just a fairy tale..."
Antonis Mirsaliotis
August 2019
Under reconstruction. Covered. Could not see it.
Natalie Koulocheris
August 2019
Unkempt and barely accessible. I was very disappointed at the state of this historical building!
Faruk Yazıcı
September 2018
Unfortunately totally ruined and not maintained at all. I imagine how beautiful it looked when it was built. I'm giving all the stars to it's original architecture.
Panagiotis Kontelis
March 2018
The Valide Mosque of Mitilini is the oldest Ottoman mosque in Mytilene, Lesbos. It dates back to 1615 and is located in Epano Skala. It is a stone-built, single-storey house with a pitched roof. The monument has been designated as a preservable since 1981. In the middle of the front yard there was a multilateral fountain made of white marble and decorated with engraved arabesques. VALIDE TZAMI AT MYTILENE The Valide Mosque of Mitilini is the oldest Ottoman mosque in Mytilene, Lesbos. It dates back to 1615 and is located in Epano Skala. It is a stone-built, single-storey house with a pitched roof. The monument has been designated as a preservable since 1981. In the middle of the front yard there was a multilateral fountain made of white marble and decorated with engraved arabesques.
