Küçükköy Meydan Camii

“A mosque built in 1970?” you might wonder, peering at Küçükköy Meydan Camii. It’s a reasonable question. The Küçükköy Meydan Camii’s story is one of transformation, spanning centuries and cultures. The original structure wasn’t a mosque at all, but the Aya Athanasiu Church, also known as Hagios Athanasios. This elegant church, dating back to the 19th century, served the Orthodox Rum community of Küçükköy. The village itself has a rich history. Founded in 1462 as Yeniçeriler Köyü (meaning the “Village of Janissaries”), it sat opposite the island of Midilli (Lesbos). Over time, it became a refuge for Greeks fleeing Ottoman rule on Midilli, and the village was renamed Yeniçarohori. The church stood as a testament to their presence. Later, Balkan people, mainly Bosniaks, settled in Küçükköy between 1893 and 1913, adding another layer to the village’s cultural tapestry. The conversion of the church into the Küçükköy Meydan Camii reflects the shifting demographics and religious landscape of the area. While the exact date of conversion is unclear, the current mosque structure as we see it today was completed in 1970. This explains the ‘start date’ you might find associated with it. It’s the completion date of the renovated structure, not the original church building. The church’s monastery, accessible from the mosque’s garden, has also been repurposed, now serving as the village’s community center. While the exterior is simple and unassuming, step inside Küçükköy Meydan Camii to discover a hidden gem. The interior is adorned with vibrant, colorful relief decorations, a testament to the building’s rich and layered history. This blend of architectural styles and historical influences makes Küçükköy Meydan Camii a unique landmark, echoing the diverse communities that have called this village home.