Cultural Corridors of South East Europe

Heritage by Type / Islamic religious centre

Bitola - Islamic Architecture

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Bitola - Islamic Architecture

About the site


Corridor: Via Egnatia
Country: FYR of Macedonia, Bitola
Type: Islamic religious centre
Epoch: Middle Ages
Theme: Islamic Culture
World Heritage:
Middle AgesIslamic CultureIslamic religious centre

The Bedesten. Ottoman urban nucleus
The Bedesten (covered market) is situated in the center of Bitola. According to the historical sources this complex was built in 1506. One could enter the bedesten through four arched entrances, closed by night with iron double-doors. It comprises several alleys with 86 shops, and is vaulted with barrel-vaults pierced with windows for lighting the interior. The Bedesten has maintained its original function as a market.

Isak Mosque
The mosque is situated in the central area of Bitola downtown. It is also known as the Azreti Isak mosque, and it is constructed for its size and exterior, as well as for luxurious interior, one of the most beautiful mosques in Bitola. According to the inscription above the main entrance it was erected as a legacy of the judge Isak Chelebi –Ibn Iso, in 1506/07. It is the tallest mosque in Bitola. The harmony of the proportions represent a perfected Brusan type of mosque, which classifies it in the Early Ottoman Classical style.

Yeni Mosque
The Yeni mosque is located in the neighborhood of the Isak mosque. It was built in 1558/9 by Kadi Mahmud-Efendi. It is square in base, with three domed porch and 40 m. high minaret. The glazed decorative features of its interior are the unique examples. Today its interior is adapted in an Art Gallery where the international Graphic Art takes place (every three years).

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