Striking Examples of Ottoman Architecture in the Balkans

Ottoman Architecture in the Balkans

The Balkans are situated in the Southwestern corner of geographical Europe. These countries share a deep, complex and often turbulent history. Most of the Balkans came under some form of Ottoman rule for centuries during the last millennium. As a result, this period has left its mark on the region in many ways – even the word “Balkan” is actually of Turkish origin meaning “mountain range”. One of the most tangible reminders of this time in history is perhaps the striking Ottoman architecture in the Balkans. Many examples of this still remain in the cities and villages across the peninsula.  Surviving for decades, these beautiful structures seem to have only improved with age.

Ottoman Bucharest – Manuc’s Inn

Romania has very few Ottoman relics remaining. However, one of the best examples sits in the centre of the old town of Bucharest, Romania’s capital. Dating back to 1808, Manuc’s Inn was built by wealthy merchant and politician Manuc Bei. This Ottoman inn – or caravanserai – welcomed caravans from across Europe. Guests came to the city selling wares and sharing news. Today, Manuc’s Inn is the oldest operating Inn in Bucharest.

Whilst from the outside the inn is not that architecturally beautiful, the view inside the courtyard is stunning. Its caravanserai style resembles an oriental fortress and provided a safe place for merchants. They could store their wares in caravans and find a safe space to rest.

The inn has been witness to some momentous events in Romanian history. For example, in 1812 The Bucharest Peace Treaty was signed under this roof and the decision to involve Romania in the First World War was also made here.

Stari Most – Mostar’s Beautiful Ottoman Bridge

The diverse city of Mostar lies in the valley of the Neretva River in Bosnia Herzegovina. The area was developed in the 15th century around the Stari Most – Old Bridge. This beautiful piece of Ottoman architecture and engineering was constructed in 1566 by architect Mimar Hajruddin, replacing an older wooden bridge.

The stunning white, stone bridge measures 30m long and sits proudly 20m above the river. Despite this, it was still strong enough to support the weight of Nazi tanks during WW2!

However, the Bosnian war proved a step too far and the bridge was destroyed in 1993. Fortunately it was painstakingly reconstructed, in line with the original building methods, and it was completed again in 2004.

Ottoman Architecture in Gjirokaster, Albania

Journey into rural Albania and you will find a very diverse mix of architecture. The town of Gjirokaster, however, is known for its impeccably well preserved Ottoman houses, bazaar, mosques and, most impressively, the castle perched high above the town.

Although the castle’s origins began before Ottoman rule, it was expanded to the form we see today by Ottoman governor Ali Pasha in the early 19th century.

The most notable addition was the striking clock tower that can be seem from the town below. Nowadays, the National Folklore Festival is held beneath the clock tower every four years.

An aqueduct of 10km long was constructed by the Ottomans to run water into the citadel where it was stored underground. However, only the foundations of the aqueduct remain here today.

The Former Black Mosque, Sofia, Bulgaria

In the centre of Sofia stands a structure that dominates the city. Emblazoned with crosses and bell towers, it is now a church. However, not many people would guess that it started life, during the Ottoman era, as a mosque.

The Mosque was built in the 16th century by the governor of Sofia, Mehmed Pasha, after he had a premonition of victory against the Hungarians. After the premonition came true, construction of the mosque began in gratitude to Allah. Unfortunately, the Mosque’s minaret was destroyed during an earthquake in the 1800s.

After the liberation of Bulgaria, the Mosque was converted into a church. Traditional Bulgarian styles were added to the building and the stunning internal frescos took 80 years to complete!

Montenegro’s Ottoman Clock Tower, Podgorica

Montenegro’s capital city, Podgorica, has often been lamented as Europe’s most boring capital city. However, for anyone who appreciates an unusual mix of Ottoman and Communist architecture (and we do exist!) this is not the case.

The old town has a light dusting of tiny, local mosques and delicious restaurants with traditional Ottoman barbeque chimneys. However, the most prominent example of Ottoman architecture is the tall, stone Clock Tower.

The tower stands proudly overlooking Stara Varoš Square, where it has remained since the latter part of the 18th century. At nearly 20m tall, the clock tower was the tallest building in city up until the 1950s.

Today, the Square is surrounded by blocky, concrete Communist era buildings. Fortunately, however, the clock tower is now under State protection.

Skopje’s Old Bazaar – Beautiful Ottoman Architecture in the Balkans

Skopje is another Balkan city that is a melting pot of cultures due to its complex history. The city’s Old Bazaar is the largest in the Balkans and home to some impressive Ottoman architecture. There is evidence that a settlement in this area dates back to 4,000 BC and it has long been a centre of trade in the city. The Ottomans began to develop the bazaar during their rule as early as the 15th century.

Within this part of the city there are several mosques – most notably the impressive Mustafa Pasha Mosque – old hammams, former inns, a clock tower and plenty of traditional barbeque restaurants. The narrow, cobbled streets are lined with small Ottoman era buildings with white facades, dark timber and red roofs and they are full of charm and history.

The Old Bazaar is now recognized as a cultural heritage of particular importance for North Macedonia.

Ottoman Architecture – The Imperial Mosque, Pristina, Kosovo

Officially known as the Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque, it was built in the 1460s in Pristina, Kosovo, by Mehmed the Conqueror. Subsequently, it had become a church – during the Austro-Hungarian period – and then converted back to a mosque.

In 1955 a powerful earthquake toppled the minaret but it has been lovingly restored since then.

The building is striking because of its domed porch and beautiful stone pillars. Furthermore, the interior is adorned with inscriptions, decorated with stunning arched, stained glass windows and covered by a huge domed roof.

The white-washed, red roofed buildings surrounding the mosque are also typical of the Ottoman era. Nearby is an Ottoman style clock tower and a traditional hammam.

The Ominous Ottoman Skull Tower, Nis, Serbia

The historic town of Nis sits in the geographical centre of Serbia. In 1809 the first Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire took place. However, the rebel army was completely annihilated by the rampaging Ottomans.

As a lesson to the Serbian nation, the Turkish leader had the skulls of the dead Serbs used as building blocks to construct a tower near the entrance to the city.  In total, 952 skulls were used and 58 remain in the tower to this day. Skull Tower is not like the other, typically elegant, examples of Ottoman architecture!

More recently, a chapel has been built around the tower and, what is thought to be, the skull of the Serbian commander has been encased in glass. The site is now considered a symbol of Serbia’s fight for independence from the Ottomans.

The settlement of Blagaj, Bosnia Herzegovina

Blagaj Fortress is a spectacular structure that predates Ottoman rule in Bosnia Herzegovina. The settlement, built up around the castle, was done so by the Ottomans and this is evident in the ornate architecture that can still be seen today.

One of the most significant buildings is the Blagaj Tekija – a Dervish monastery. This structure has sat at the base of the cliff for nearly 600 years! The white, half-timbered building overlooks the impossibly green, flowing water of the Buna River. The location is highly relevant as the Dervish believe in a form of Islam that takes peaceful energy from their surroundings.

Inside the monastery, the floor is covered with decorative rugs and cushions, dark wood timbers line the walls, the windows and doorways are beautifully arched and there is even a rather primitive looking toilet.

The Mysterious Dyavolski Most, Bulgaria

This Ottoman bridge in Bulgaria is shrouded in mystery and often associated with many myths and legends. Built over a steep gorge in the early 16th century by Ottoman ruler Sultan Selim I, it is possible that there was an earlier roman bridge already on the site.

The Devils Bridge has many local tales surrounding it. It is said that the man responsible for the construction of the bridge had so much confidence in his engineering ability that he made a bet with Satan himself that the bridge would be a success. There are also claims that one of the stones has an impression of the devil’s footprint in it. Take a photo of the bridge at a certain time of day, rotate it 90° and an image of the devil will appear – according to some local legend. Would you give it a go?

The majority of visitors to the bridge these days find the most fascinating aspect to be its beauty, history and breath-taking surroundings.

Ottoman Architecture in the Balkans

There is so much to see in this incredible part of the world. The architecture in the Balkans, along with the society in general, is diverse and beautiful. Go and explore and discover some absolute gems! The Ottoman architecture in the Balkans will not disappoint.

For some great Balkan Destination ideas try the following posts

THE BALKANS – THE MOST STUNNING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK PLACES IN EUROPE
or
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF 8 DAYS IN THE BALKANS

Have you visited any Balkan countries or any of the locations mentioned in the post? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!