Bulgaria Inside

Ibrahim Pasha Mosque is the second largest Muslim temple in the Balkan region. It is situated in the central part of the town of Razgrad. The mosque is one of the most beautiful examples of classical Ottoman architecture.

Construction of the sanctuary ended in 1616.
Talented Bulgarian craftsmen worked on the Muslim temple. Ibrahim Pasha’s minaret is cover in processed stone. Beautiful wall paintings decorate the inside. Lead covers the roof.

Since 1967, the mosque is a monument of culture of national importance and one of the sites included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

When visiting Razgrad, you can explore the exterior of the mosque only. For the past 30 years, Ibrahim Pasha has been closed because of its need of renovation.

Ottoman ruler Ibrahim Pasha demanded the construction of the mosque. A slab stone in front of the mosque reads:

Sons! We have erected a beautiful sanctuary, the holy mosque of Ibrahim Pasha.

A legend has long been told about the Bulgarian craftsmen who worked on the mosque’s wall paintings. Ibrahim Pasha decided to kill all artists so that no other building like the mosque is ever constructed. The Bulgarian craftsmen understood of his intentions. They made wooden wings in order to escape. The men flew away but the weight of their tools brought them down and all died.

Today, residents in Razgrad still tell the story and mention the name of lead craftsman Kalin Orela (the eagle). A monument dedicated to his work is still positioned next to the mosque. Kalin is depicted with his wings in an attempt to fly away.