Bayrakli Mosque, Samokov

Bayrakli Mosque
Religion
AffiliationIslam (former)
StatusMuseum
Location
LocationSamokov
CountryBulgaria
Shown within Bulgaria
Interactive map of Bayrakli Mosque
Coordinates42°20′19″N 23°33′29″E / 42.33861°N 23.55806°E / 42.33861; 23.55806
Architecture
TypeMosque
StyleOttoman
Completed1845
Specifications
Dome1
Minaret1

The Bayrakli Mosque (Bulgarian: Байракли джамия, romanizedBayrakli dzhamiya), also known as Yokush Mosque (Bulgarian: Йокуш джамия, romanized: Yokush dzhamiya), is a former mosque located in Samokov, Bulgaria.

The Ottoman-era mosque was constructed in 1845,[1] and is well-preserved and retaining most of its original structure. The former mosque has been repurposed as a museum.

Overview

The former mosque was built by Koca Hüsrev Mehmed Pasha, who, according to the legend, ordered to erect both a cross and a crescent on the mosque's dome. In 1966, the mosque was extensively restored by Bulgarian architect Nikola Mushanov.[1]

The mosque prayer hall is rectangular (almost square) and measures 14 by 14.5 metres (46 by 48 ft). The women's prayer area is located on the balcony. The dome is built on four wooden columns. Frescoes with floral motives were painted over in the 19th century and uncovered during the restoration in 1966. There is one tall minaret next to the building.[1] Unusually, the interior of the former mosque is lavishly decorated with floral motifs by local, non-Muslim folk artists such as Ivan Ikonopisets, Hristo Yovevich, and Kosta Valyov.

Decoration

References

  1. ^ a b c "Самоков, Байракли джамия / Samokov, Bairakli Mosque" (in Bulgarian). narod.ru. Retrieved 31 August 2012.

Media related to Bayrakli Mosque, Samokov at Wikimedia Commons