Banyabashi Mosque, the only mosque open for worship in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, attracts attention as one of the most important historical monuments that has managed to survive from the Ottoman period to the present day.

Built in 1566-1567 by one of the Ottoman statesmen, Kadi Seyfullah Efendi, the mosque is distinguished by its single-domed plan and its slender minaret, which reflect the features of classical Ottoman architecture.

The historical mosque, which has preserved its existence for about 5 centuries, is also known by the names “Mosque of Kadi Seyfullah Efendi” and “Mosque of Molla Efendi”. Meeting the religious needs of the Muslim community in Sofia, the mosque attracts great interest especially during Friday and Eid prayers.

Located in the center of the city, the mosque is known as one of the important cultural heritages that attracts the attention of not only local residents, but also tourists visiting Sofia.

– Banyabashi Mosque, an Ottoman heritage in Sofia

Speaking of Anatolia about the Banyabashi Mosque, The Regional Mufti of Sofia, Beyhan Mehmed, said that the mosque is one of the most valuable structures that survived after the Russo-Ottoman War.

Mehmed recalled that the 17th-century travel writer, Evliya Çelebi, in his travelogue described the mosque as “one of the most beautiful in the city”, emphasizing that it constitutes an important religious center for Muslims in Sofia.

Noting that the space the actual area of the mosque is often insufficient for the faithful, Mehmed said that especially during Fridays and holidays, prayers are held outside the mosque.

Mehmed explained that the name of the mosque comes from the hammams that were located in the area during the Ottoman period, adding: “Banyabashi means ‘the head of the hammam’. For this reason, it is popularly known as the Banyabashi Mosque.”

He also pointed out that once around the mosque there were hammams, markets and the Tomb of Kadi Seyfullah Efendi, which was destroyed after the Russo-Ottoman War and has not survived to this day.

– Could it be the work of Architect Sinan?

Even though there is no clear evidence, Mehmed emphasized that the mosque is considered by the people and historians as one of the constructions that may belong to Architect Sinan, adding that it has similarities with the Rustem Pasha Mosque and Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque in Istanbul.

Adding that the mosque has been restored several times over the years, Mehmed said: “The biggest restoration was carried out by TIKA in the period 2012-2017. A very extensive work was done and the mosque was restored to its original form.” Grand Mufti through the Sofia Regional Mufti. Being a cultural heritage, it is protected under the heritage laws of the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria.”

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Source: prizrenpost