Banya Bashi Mosque - Sofia

Overview

Banya Bashi Mosque is located in the center of Sofia, near the hot mineral springs. (Banya Bashi means “many baths”). It was built in 1576 during Ottoman rule by the best-known Ottoman architect Miamar Sinan. He has also created the Selemiye mosque in Edrine and Suleyman mosque in Istanbul.

Banya Bashi mosque is not officially open as a tourist attraction and there is no entrance fee. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times, women should be modestly dressed.

The main building of the mosque is quadrangular. Banya Bashi Mosque is an interesting architectural creation that reflects the specifics of Ottoman architecture in the 16th century. Its walls are built of cut stone and bricks, and rows of red bricks are placed between the stone rows.

The interior of the mosque has been repaired several times. The last major renovation was carried out in the 1920s with the financial support of the Turkish Ambassador to Sofia Fethiye Bay. Partial repairs, painting, plastering, etc. were made after the Second World War. A complete restoration of the exterior of the mosque was carried out in 1983 when the stalactite decoration of the chapel was restored. The latest renovations have been funded by donations from Turkish and Arab waqfs. An underfloor heating system was built with their support.

The capacity of the mosque is between 500-700 people. During the holidays and Friday prayers, there is not enough space for everyone and worshipers pray outside on the sidewalk.