- Address: Pljevlja, Montenegro
- Foundation date: the end of the XVI century.
One of the most striking monuments of Islamic architecture in Montenegro is the Hussein Pasha mosque, which is located in the city of Plelevia in the northern part of the country. The construction of this religious site dates from the end of the 16th century, 1573-1594. The mosque is part of the history, and, almost completely retaining its original appearance, still impresses travelers with its elegance and beauty.
Legend of the origin of the mosque
About the emergence of the Muslim temple is composed of its own legend. Once Hussein Pasha, together with his army, broke camp near the monastery of the Holy Trinity. At night, he heard a mysterious voice that asked to build a mosque in this place. The next morning, Hussein Pasha asked the monastery rector to allocate a plot of land no larger than a cowhide, which he agreed to. The ingenious Turk ordered his subjects to cut the hide into narrow belts, by which they could fence a plot of land a few acres near the monastery. Having cut down the forest on this place, Hussein Pasha built a 14-dome mosque.
A unique example of architecture
The base of the mosque of Hussein Pasha has the shape of a square, above which a large dome on the cubic pedestal rises in the center. The main facade of the Muslim temple is decorated with an open gallery, on each side is crowned with three small domes. The building itself is constructed from an untreated gray stone framed by a small ornament. On the perimeter of the mosque there are 25 windows. On the south side there is a newly built minaret after the fire, its height reaches 42 m. It is the highest and most elegant minaret in the Balkan Peninsula.
Interior Features
The interior of the Hussein Pasha mosque impresses with its beauty and richness. The interior of the entrance is decorated with a bright decor with floral elements. The walls and vault are painted in the style of Turkish classics using floral patterns and quotations from the Koran, which is considered one of the best works of Islamic calligraphy of the 16th century. The floor of the mosque is covered with an original carpet 10x10 m, which was made of quilted leather in Egypt on special order in 1573. Here you can see various ancient manuscripts and books in Turkish and Arabic. Of particular value is the handwritten Qur'an of the 16th century, consisting of 233 pages and skilfully decorated with gilded miniatures.
How to get to the mosque?
Tourists wishing to get acquainted with one of the main Islamic centers in Montenegro can reach the Hussein Pasha mosque by public transport , which runs on schedule, as well as on a rented or private car. From Podgorica, the fastest route passes through the E762 and Narodnih Heroja. The journey takes about 3 hours.