Name: Lelypara / Mehmet Agha / Katsyi Camii

Donor: Mehmet Agha, son of Alexandros Lelyparas

Date: The date of foundation of the mosque is determined at some point after 1618, specifically around 1635 during the period of extensive Islamisation.

With the surrender of the city of Ioannina to the Ottomans in 1430, following the letter of Murad II, a new period of intense demographic growth began for the city. The Christians of Ioannina retained their residence within the walls and their privileges. Ottoman Ioannina (or “Janina”) spread outside the castle; the commercial and cultural centre moved outside the walls. The balance of power changed in 1611 with the unsuccessful revolt of Dionysios Philosophos or Skylosophos (meaning “Dog-Philosopher” or “Dogwise”) against the Ottomans. During this period, several Kastrinoi Ioannites lost their properties whereas others became Islamized in order to retain their timars or part of their property. Only Muslims and Jews now lived within the castle. The mosque or camii [a word derived from Turkish, in Arabic: مسجد‎ (masjid)]. The Mehmet Agha Mosque was located next to the Ottoman Headquarters and Barracks in Konakiou Square or Central Square of the city of Ioannina and was the eponym of the entire district, the Mehmet Agha Quarter.

Use: Religious space, prayer space.