Tzistarakis Mosque, Athens

Tzistarakis Mosque is a former mosque that now serves as a traditional art museum in Monastiraki Square. Its construction dates to 1759, during Ottoman rule, and its design belongs to Ottoman architecture. The building takes its name from Mustapha Agha Tzistarakis, the Ottoman governor of Athens who commissioned it.

Local tradition holds that he had a historic column burned to produce lime for the building; the act was treated as sacrilege, and he lost his position. During the Greek War of Independence, the mosque became a meeting place for local elders. Later, it served as a ballroom, barracks, prison, and storehouse before becoming connected with the Museum of Greek Folk Art. A pottery collection remains inside, giving this former place of worship a continuing museum role.