The mosque of the village of Ota in the municipality of Aspindza is a unique historical site built by local Meskhetian Muslims before their deportation in 1944. The architecture of the mosque shows marked similarities with mosques in the Samtskhe-Javakheti, Adjara and historical Lazet-Tao-Klarjeti regions, built between the 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite its historical and cultural significance, the Ota Mosque has not yet received the status of a cultural heritage site.
Currently, the mosque is in urgent need of restoration, as rain and snow through the damaged roof are destroying the interior decoration, which is of artistic value. Visitors interested in regional architecture, history and culture of Georgia will find much to discover at the Ota Mosque. Organizations and people involved in the preservation of cultural heritage will also find this site an important area for their efforts. A visit to a mosque can provide additional motivation for efforts to preserve and restore it.
