The Yeni Mosque in Thessaloniki, Greece, a historic building not used for prayers since 1923, opened its doors to the local Muslim community for Eid al-Fitr prayers.
The event marks significant value for the Muslim community as the first time prayers have been held in a mosque in nearly a century. Originally constructed in 1902 by an Italian architect, the mosque was originally built for Jews who converted to Islam in Thessaloniki. After almost 100 years of closure, the mosque welcomed worshippers early at 3 AM, following stringent security measures and police supervision, to accommodate the community for the Eid celebrations.
Imam Taha Abdel Khalil, of Egyptian descent, led the prayers, signifying a momentous occasion for the local Muslims. After the completion of the prayers, attendees expressed profound satisfaction and gratitude towards the government for facilitating the reopening of this important cultural and religious landmark.
The reopening of the Yeni Mosque serves religious purposes and symbolizes Thessaloniki’s rich, multicultural history, bridging traditions with present community needs.
