In the central part of Skopje, near the Old Market, there is a medieval Mustafa Pasha mosque - the most vivid Islamic monument of Macedonia. The sanctuary was erected about five centuries ago, but is still in excellent condition, as if the time had not touched it. And in the warm season near the mosque of Mustafa Pasha, a magnificent rose garden blossoms.

History

In the distant 15th century, the famous Ottoman commander Mustafa Pasha owned several villages around Skopje. The venerable vizier lived here with his two wives and four daughters. In addition to his outstanding commanding qualities, Mustafa Pasha was very spiritual and pious person, and therefore it is not surprising that he once decided to erect a large mosque in the city.

We erected a Muslim shrine on the foundation of an earlier Christian church. About this and to this day reads the text on the marble plaque above the entrance. Around the mosque were built residential buildings, which were inhabited mainly by imams - clergymen who perform trebs in the mosque. The entire complex of buildings was built with the personal funds of Mustafa Pasha.

For the history of its existence, the Mustafa-pasha mosque was once seriously damaged. This was the case with the earthquake in 1963, which brought great destruction to the whole city. However, the mosque was restored, and now it is fully functioning.

Architecture

Mustafa-pasha mosque is in fact the standard of early Constantinople architecture. The construction of the building is a regular rectangle, crowned by a huge dome (more than 16 m in diameter). The dome of the mosque is decorated with original arabesques, the oldest of which have artistic value.

The building of the mosque is built of ground stone and brick. At the entrance is attached a small porch with white marble columns. In the northern part of the mosque stands a minaret with a height of 47 m. Everywhere on the walls of the ancient building you can see the remains of the original oriental ornament and other ornaments. The walls at the front entrance to the mosque are decorated with colored plates, why the people called the shrine a colored mosque. Undoubtedly, this is the most beautiful architectural monument of medieval Muslim architecture.

Mosque in Skopje is free to visit both Muslims and supporters of other faiths. It is important to follow the established norms of conduct in a holy place, so that it is an ironic accident not to offend the feelings of the parishioners of the mosque.

Practical information

Mustafa Pasha Mosque is located in the central part of Skopje on the right bank of the Vardar River. From the area of ​​Macedonia to the mosque can be reached on foot for 15 minutes, following the street. Orsa Nikolova and beyond, behind the bridge, along the street. Samoilov. Near the mosque there are other bright sights of Skopje - the Old Market, the Museum of Macedonia, the Church of the Holy Savior, etc.

Address: Macedonia, Skopje, Fort Kale.

Phone: +389 (2) 329-72- 04.

Mustafa Pasha Mosque

View of Mustafa Pasha Mosque