Bajrakli mosque in Belgrade (Serbia)

07/03/2010   by Kenan Surkovic
Architecture
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Bajrakli mosque is the only remaining mosque in Belgrade. This city was under the Ottoman Empire from the first half of the 16th century until the second half of the 19th century.

During that time, Belgrade became a major cultural center, along with some other cities in the Balkans, such as Sarajevo and Skoplje. At that time, Belgrade had about 160 mosques, 7 public baths, about 7000 home bathrooms and 21 caravansaray. However in this period there were different types of destruction, first by the Austrian Empire, and then by the Serbian authorities, who in the late 19th century took over the city.

From all buildings mentioned only one mosque, two tomb and part of the city walls were preserved to this day. These are the oldest parts of town. The only remaining mosque, named Bajrakli Mosque, was built in 1575. Originally called Cohadzi-mosque, after the fabric merchant Hadzi-Alija (at that period fabric was named coha). Later the name was changed again to be finally called Bajrakli mosque, based on tradition that there was a flag on its minaret (flag was called bajrak) which would be a sign to other mosques that they can invite prayers to the prayer.

The mosque is now in good condition, although a few years ago was set on fire by Serbians, and then partially restored. It is one-space mosque with dome, larger dimensions. It carries some architectural features that are typical of the period when it was made, such as placing of windows and very high tambour. These characteristics make this mosque a very important historical building.

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