[2025 Tirana Attraction] Travel Guide for Xhamia e Et'hem Beut (Updated Jun)

Tirana is the largest city in Albania, located in the basin on the western side of Mount Kruja in the central region, by the Ishëm River, surrounded by mountains on three sides, and 27 kilometers west of the Adriatic coastline. When you come to Tirana, you must visit Skanderbeg Square. Skanderbeg Square features the Et'hem Bey Mosque built in 1819, the Clock Tower built in 1830, the National History Museum, the Opera House, Tirana University, and nearby government office buildings constructed during the Italian Mussolini era, which are very beautiful. There is also a bronze equestrian statue of Skanderbeg completed in 1969. Skanderbeg is a national hero of Albania from the 15th century, who led the people in resisting Ottoman rule for over 20 years. He used the black double-headed eagle as his emblem, which later evolved into today's Albanian flag. Several tree-lined avenues radiate from the square. There are many newly opened shops around the square, making Skanderbeg Square the liveliest place in Tirana. New buildings are being constructed everywhere, with the construction industry growing at a rate of 20% annually, changing the face of Albania and driving the development of the Albanian economy. Skanderbeg Square is fresh, beautiful, and very modern. The Albanians walking in the square are well-dressed and confident. The impression Albania left on me is not one of poverty, but of prosperity. This is a rapidly developing country.

☕ Start your day in Blloku (8:30 AM) Grab a coffee at one of Tirana’s trendy cafés – this area used to be closed to the public during communism! Walk past Enver Hoxha’s former residence for a glimpse into Albania’s recent history. 🏛️ Head toward Skanderbeg Square (15 min walk) See the massive Skanderbeg statue, Et'hem Bey Mosque, and Clock Tower. Visit the National History Museum – look for the giant socialist mural above the entrance. 🎟️ Tip: Get the museum ticket early if you love history – it's quick and informative! 🌳 Lunch + Relax in the Grand Park Walk to Parku i Madh and the Artificial Lake for shade and peace Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant or a picnic on the grass On your way back, stop by Pyramid of Tirana – now a youth and cultural center with rooftop views 💡 Tip: Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and enjoy a slow-paced afternoon in the park 🌇 Evening vibes Return to Blloku for dinner or drinks – it comes alive at night! Try traditional dishes like tavë kosi or byrek, then unwind with raki or craft beer 📸 Bonus: Snap street art around the city – Tirana is full of color and surprises! 🗺️ All walkable! Total ~8–10 km. Tirana is safe, friendly, and full of unexpected charm 🇦🇱💛

📣 Albania, a country full of mystery and historical charm, the National Museum is a place that every traveler cannot miss! 👣 The National Museum is located in the center of Tirana, the capital of Albania, with convenient transportation and can be reached on foot. 🚶‍♀️ 🕰️ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, closed on Monday. Remember to plan your trip in advance! 🏛️ Walking into the museum is like traveling through a time tunnel and returning to the ancient days of Albania. The museum has a rich collection, ranging from ancient bronzes and pottery to medieval handicrafts and modern works of art, all of which showcase the country's long history and unique culture. 👀 💡 Tips: When visiting, you may want to communicate with the tour guide to learn more about the stories behind the exhibits. In addition, there is a cafe and souvenir shop in the museum. If you are tired of shopping, you may want to sit down and rest for a while, or pick out a favorite souvenir to take home. 🎁 🍽️ Nearby food recommendations: It’s only a few minutes’ walk to the Old Town of Tirana, where there are many local specialty restaurants and food stalls. You may want to try traditional Albanian food such as lamb stew, cheese and honey. 🍖🍛 📸 Photo-taking spots: Skanderbeg Square and surrounding buildings outside the museum are also great places to take photos. Why not leave your footprints and beautiful memories here! 📷 🕌Aitanbey Mosque is one of the oldest buildings in Tirana. Many religious sites were destroyed during the atheist movement and demonstrations in the late 1960s, but only this mosque remained intact. The mosque was closed for a long time during Hoxha's rule. On January 18, 1991, more than 10,000 Muslims in Tirana spontaneously came here to pray without the approval of government agencies, breaking the closure of the mosque. It is also a landmark event for religious freedom in Albania. ⛲️The bell tower is 35 meters high and was completed at the same time as the mosque. After its completion, it was the tallest building in Tirana. 💖 Come to Albania and experience the unique charm of this country!

I spent my last day in Istanbul in a youth hostel, which was surprisingly comfortable. (June) This is my third time in Türkiye. The vastness and bustle of Istanbul seems to be in sharp contrast to my peaceful state this time. The visa fee was $60, but I feel like I got my money's worth this time. I spent the whole day exploring on foot some streets I had never walked before, connecting my vague impressions of the city and the scattered attractions. The feeling of discovering new corners and rekindling old memories made this short stay particularly fulfilling. Here are the must-see attractions in Istanbul: 1. Hagia Sophia This nearly 1,500-year-old architectural wonder combines Byzantine and Ottoman styles and is one of Istanbul's landmarks. 2. Blue Mosque It is named after the blue tiles covering its interior. It is adjacent to Hagia Sophia and has both religious and artistic charm. 3. Topkapi Palace The palace of the Ottoman Empire, showing the luxurious life of the Sultan and rich historical relics. 4. Grand Bazaar One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with more than 4,000 shops, experience the authentic Turkish trading culture. 5. Galata Tower Climb the tower to enjoy the magnificent view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, which is especially charming at sunset. 6. Bosphorus Cruise Take a cruise on the strait connecting Europe and Asia, and experience the scenery on both sides of the strait and the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures. 7. Basilica Cistern This ancient Roman reservoir is impressive for its dark environment and inverted Medusa capital. 8. Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square The bustling shopping district and city center landmarks are a great place to experience modern Istanbul. 9. Süleymaniye Mosque One of the largest and most spectacular mosques in Istanbul, with a wide view overlooking the entire city. These are the best of Istanbul and are worth seeing whether it’s your first visit or a repeat visit!

The Et'hem Bey Mosque, located in Tirana, Albania, is a significant cultural and religious landmark. Construction began in 1791 or 1794 by Molla Bey and was completed in 1819 or 1821 by his son, Haxhi Ethem Bey. The mosque is known for its unique frescoes that depict trees, waterfalls, and bridges, which are a rarity in Islamic art. During the communist rule, the mosque was closed but reopened as a house of worship in 1991. This event marked a milestone in the rebirth of religious freedom in Albania. Today, the mosque is part of an architectural complex that includes the Clock Tower of Tirana. The mosque underwent restoration in 2019 and was completed in April 2021. It continues to captivate visitors with its exquisite decorations and oriental wall and ceiling paintings. #hiddengems