Since ancient times Albania has been considered a country of temples, churches, and mosques. Each Albanian city has dozens of religious buildings of all cultures and religions of the world. Unfortunately, not all of them have been preserved in their original form. Some were completely wiped out during the reign of Enver Halil Hoxha. Fortunately, there are still those that were practically not affected by the Communist regime and preserved their external and internal appearance for future generations. One of these mosques that have survived in excellent condition is the Lead Mosque in the small commercial city of Shkodra.

A magnificent example of classical Ottoman architecture, also known as the Buşatlı Mehmet Pasha Mosque, is located among green meadows on the shore of a small picturesque lake. It was built in 1773 by order of the vizier Mehmet Buşatlı. Every morning, leaving the walls of Rozafa Castle, he went to the construction site and monitored every stone laid.

The mosque got its name due to the original lead coating. It is a classic example of Ottoman mosques of the 18th century. It is very different from other mosques of that time which were built in the Arab architectural style. The main building rises above large columns that not only serve as a supporting structure but also form a courtyard. 

In the 20th century, the building of the mosque began to gradually fall into disrepair. Lead from the domes was stolen and the minaret was completely destroyed by a lightning strike. Fortunately, in 1948, it was declared a cultural monument of the country and taken under the protection of the state. Throughout its long history, the Buşatlı Mehmet Pasha Mosque has been reconstructed several times: in 1863 and in 1920. The last restoration work was carried out in 1963.