Bazar Mosque Gjirokaster

Bazaar mosque (Area)

Built in 1757, this mosque is a landmark in the bazaar area. Gjirokastra has had 15 mosques, however, except for the bazaar mosque, all the others were destroyed or had their function changed during the cultural revolution of 1967, under the communist regime of Albania. A mosque, like a church, is a sacred space that serves for the believer’s prayers, and all its architectural elements come together in perfect harmony to support this purpose

Bazaar mosque (Area)

When you enter the mosque, you will see in front of you a recess in the wall, which is called "mihrab". The mihrab is always oriented towards Mecca, and the imam leads prayer from there. On the right side is an elevated structure, called the minbar, from where the imam delivers Friday sermons covering important religious and social topics. The half floor, called the "mahvil", was usually a place reserved for women or where young students could practice reading the Qur'an or religious chanting. Muslims are required to pray 5 times a day, at certain hours. Five times each day, the muezzin climbs the steps of the minaret and with his melodious call reminds the people that it is time to pray. To enter the mosque, everyone must take off their shoes, while ladies must also cover their heads with a headscarf.

(Area)