In Komotini there are 12 Muslim mosques and 6 pilgrimage sites (masjid). Almost all of them have been renovated, but most do not stand out for their architectural interest. The only notable ones with a commanding presence are two: The Yeni Mosque, built in 1585 by Ahmed Efendi, head of the Ottoman treasury under Sultan Murat III, is one of Komotini's most important monuments. The original building had one large dome and five smaller ones. An inscription from 1902, located at the southern entrance, describes the extensive renovations and extensions carried out at that time. Through the monumental entrance, one enters the prayer hall of the mosque, where the marble mihrab — the niche in the wall facing Mecca — stands out with its sculpted decoration. Next to it are the famous tiles of Prusa, adorned with flowers and shoots, along with an inscription from the Quran. The minbar, a marble pulpit used by the imam to lead prayers, is also striking, with intricate floral and geometric reliefs. Although known as the "New" mosque (Yeni Mosque), it is some 25 years older than the so-called "Old" mosque (Eski Mosque). The Eski Mosque (formerly known as the Atik Mosque) was built in 1608 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. It is the only mosque that has a minaret with two balconies. It is recently renovated (2002) and is located in a prominent position 70 meters east of the Castle of Komotini, opposite the Municipal Market.
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