Close to Rhodes Harbor’s waterfront and the municipal building, lies an ancient mosque named after the esteemed Ottoman naval commander, Murat Reis. Known for capturing numerous enemy vessels, Reis rests eternally at a nearby Turkish cemetery. His grave is a revered spot among fishermen and sailors who believe that paying homage brings fortune at sea.
In 1524, shortly after the Ottoman Empire conquered the island, they erected a mosque where a Christian church and a small knights' graveyard once stood. This mosque showcases the Ottoman architectural flair of that era, with its lavishly decorated minaret standing tall, from which the call to prayer resonated for years. The design features simple shapes and a minimalist, light-yellow facade. Today, the structure is in dire need of restoration as it has been weathered by the elements over time.
During a perilous time for Jewish people, a significant religious artifact, a Torah scroll stretching 45.5 meters, originally from Spain, was entrusted to Mufti Suleiman Kasıoğlu for safekeeping. Despite the threat of Nazi deportation to Auschwitz, the Mufti safeguarded the scroll. Post-war, he ensured its transfer to Israel’s national library, marking a profound interfaith gesture.
The mosque is situated in close proximity to the waterfront, facing the Rhodes National Theater.
