Description of the attraction
One of the most impressive architectural monuments of the Ottoman period in the Greek city of Kavala is undoubtedly the building known as Imaret, located in the historic city center on the western part of the Panagia Peninsula. Imaret was built in 1717-1821 by decree of Mehmet Ali (Muhammad Ali of Egypt) - a native of Kavala who went down in history as the wali of Egypt (1805-1848) and the founder of the last Egyptian dynasty.
In fact, "imaret" is the eastern name for a free canteen or the so-called "soup kitchen", where food is offered to those in need for free or at a very low price. Similar charitable institutions in the 14-19th centuries were opened in many cities of the Ottoman Empire and, as a rule, they were built at mosques or were part of large complexes, which, in addition to the mosque, could include caravanserais, hospices and educational institutions. Imaret in Kavala, thanks to the generous donations of Mehmet Ali, was originally conceived as a religious, educational and social institution and played an important role in the life of the Muslims of Kavala until 1923, when Muslims were forced to leave Kavala as a result of the forced population exchange between Greece and Turkey. In 1931, part of Imaret, unfortunately, was destroyed (due to the expansion of the street).
After the departure of Muslims and until 1967, Imaret was a home for immigrants, after which it was closed, and it was empty for a long time. Subsequently, a restaurant was opened here, and a significant part of the famous complex was converted into warehouses. However, in 2001, Imaret was officially leased to a local entrepreneur for 50 years, and after a large-scale reconstruction within the walls of Imaret, a luxurious five-star hotel - Imaret Hotel was opened, which today is rightfully considered one of the best hotels in Kavala and offers its guests cozy rooms in luxury oriental style, excellent restaurant, bar, traditional Turkish hammam, indoor and outdoor pools, excellent service and much more.
