The Ebu Bekr Mosque - Tirana, Albania
The Balkans, especially Albania, is a very interesting place. It's one of the only European nations with a predominantly Muslim population. It's not uncommon to see mosques with towering minarets with loudspeakers blasting away with afternoon prayers. The country boasts a solid mix of Turkish architecture and ancient medieval fortresses. Regardless of your faith or religion, there's no denying the beauty of these mosques.

The Ebu Bekr at sunset in Shkoder, Albania
The Ebu Bekr (sometimes spelled Beker) mosque is small but a dominating figure in the center of Tirana in the northwest of Albania. It has only two minarets as opposed to the usual four that accompany bigger mosques. It served as an important centerpiece in as the academic source of the city and attracted many Islamic scholars.
Xhamia Ebu Bekr
The Ebu Bekr mosque dates back around from the 18th century. It was fully renovated and refaced in 1995 with monetary donations of Saudi Arabia. Visitors are welcome to go inside and marvel at the awesome interior and enjoy the meditative ambiance. On the outside, the building is beautiful and the surrounding park is clean and serene - which is a stark contrast to the busy and noisy streets nearby.

Ebu Bekr Mosque or Xhamia e Madhe in Shkoder, Albania
There are several run-down businesses nearby and looks a little seedy at night. My hostel is just around the corner and a walk to this part of town is just a few minutes. Tirana is not a big city and there's really no much going on outside of the Rozafa Castle and the Lake. The Ebu Bekr Mosque, however, did give me a few awesome photos during sunset as pictured in the first photo above. If you're in Shkkoder, Albania you might as well take your shoes off and wander inside. Tourists are allowed and the people there are very friendly.
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