Bulgaria Inside

After the city of Plovdiv was conquered by Ottomans, its name changed to Filibe. The new name was derived from the ancient Filipopolis. During that period, two of the town’s churches were turned into mosques. The biggest Plovdiv mosque appeared over St. Petka church close to the Roman stadium.

The new sanctuary was named Dzhoumia mosque.

Architecture resembles the one of mosques in Sofia and other bigger cities. During the period, Ottomans were affected by Slavic and Byzantine art and architecture.

The mosque has elongated shape. It was named after Mourad, the ruler who ordered its construction.

Exact information about the years of construction is missing. According to a legend, the mosque was destroyed during leadership quarrels but was later on renovated.

Massive walls are made of stone and each stone is surrounded by bricks from all sides. This is an early Byzantine technique. Two domes raise high above the main construction. These also serve as evidence of the mosque’s age, since newer mosques have one dome only.

The minaret rises in the northeastern part of the mosque. The building itself has dimensions of 33 x 27 m. These dimensions turn it into one of the biggest Ottoman monuments on the Balkans.

Interior decorations amaze. Wall paintings and Koran writings cover the huge area, as well as floral ornaments dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Large carpet covers the floor. Four massive columns and nine arcs make the interior architecture complete.

A fountain is situated right under the dome. Trees surround the main entrance.

An old sun clock can be seen on the corner of the mosque, towards the central Plovdiv square. This makes the mosque, which still functions till present day, an even more attractive place.