30°C
ISTANBUL
Newsletters
Exclusive
7
In the heart of Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited urban centers, the soft murmur of history is never far. Among the city’s most enduring monuments to its layered past stand three significant mosques: the Imaret Mosque, the Kursum Mosque and the Cuma Mosque.
These structures, each with its own story, are not merely places of worship but powerful markers of cultural coexistence, Ottoman architectural heritage and a city that has always lived at the crossroads of civilizations.
Also known as the Dzhumaya Mosque, the Cuma Mosque is arguably the most prominent and best-preserved Islamic monument in Plovdiv. Located just off the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare, the mosque stands adjacent to the ruins of a Roman stadium, a striking visual reminder of the city’s deep historical layers.
Built shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Plovdiv in the 14th century and reconstructed in the mid-15th century under Sultan Murad II, the mosque features nine domes, a spacious prayer hall, and a tall, slender minaret. Its design reflects early Ottoman architectural sensibilities, blending seamlessly with elements of Byzantine influence.
Today, the Cuma Mosque remains an active place of worship, serving Plovdiv’s Muslim community for daily prayers and Friday gatherings. Its presence also speaks to the religious tolerance embedded in the city’s character. Beyond its religious function, the mosque is a cultural landmark, drawing visitors from around the world who seek to understand Plovdiv’s diverse historical heritage.
Its continued use and upkeep make it not only a symbol of faith but a living monument one that connects the city's past with its evolving present. The mosque’s central location and enduring presence serve as a reminder that Plovdiv’s multicultural identity has always been one of its greatest strengths.
Situated in the town of Karlovo, approximately 56 kilometers north of Plovdiv, the Kursum Mosque (meaning "Leaden Mosque" in Turkish) stands as a solemn relic of Bulgaria’s Ottoman past. Constructed in 1485 by Karlızade Ali Bey, it is the oldest surviving architectural monument in Karlovo.
Notably, the mosque was built on the foundations of a former Roman site, a fact that underscores the layered history of the region. This transition from Roman to Ottoman eras with the mosque literally built upon ancient stone captures the cultural palimpsest that defines much of southern Bulgaria. Archaeological evidence of the Roman site further enhances the mosque’s historical value and positions it as a unique crossroads of civilizations.
The name “Kursum” comes from the lead sheets that once covered its dome, a common feature in Ottoman architecture. Though the mosque no longer functions as a place of worship, its massive stone walls and distinctive architectural features continue to command attention.
While dormant in religious function, the mosque remains active in cultural discourse, a silent witness to empires past and the ongoing struggle to preserve shared heritage in Bulgaria.
Situated near the Maritsa River, the mosque was once part of a larger Ottoman complex that featured a public kitchen, or imaret, which provided food for the poor and travelers. This also exemplified the Ottoman commitment to civic charity and urban welfare.
Built in the 15th century, the mosque was praised for its elegance and social role. However, demographic shifts after the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78) and a period of neglect led to its decline. During the communist era, when religious sites were often dismantled or repurposed, the Imaret Mosque fell into neglect and was eventually left to deteriorate.
By acknowledging what has been erased as well as what survives, Plovdiv can present a fuller, more honest account of its past, one that embraces complexity over convenience.
Both built on seven hills, they are living museums where empires have risen, clashed and blended. Roman stadiums rest beneath busy boulevards, Ottoman mosques share space with ancient churches, and layers of history unfold at every turn. In their winding streets and domed skylines, East meets West, past meets present. These are not just cities, they are crossroads of civilization, echoing with the voices of those who came before.
2 min read
2 min read 2 min read 2 min read
Newsletters