Kosovo: Prizren  

Kosovo is in Europe, no doubt about it.
But Kosovo's today heritage is more Ottoman than European.
Let's be honest. Look at these pictures. Would you believe me if I tell you that they were taken in say, Paris, Vienna, Madrid, Moscow or Stockholm?

Now, what about if I tell you that they were taken in Turkey, Northern Cyprus or Syria?

There's definitely an Oriental feeling in Kosovo. Specially in Prizren.

Shadervan Square is the place to gather in Prziren. Two religious monuments stand tall: Sinan Pasha Mosque and St Georges Church.

Unfortunately both are heavyly damaged today.

The Mosque of Sinan Pasha is one of the most important monuments from Ottoman times.

According to the inscription inside, the mosque Sofi Sinan Pasha was built in 1615.
It is believed that the mosque was built with stones from the Monastery Of The Archangels, which construction was abandoned at that time.

During World War I, Bulgarian invaders transformed the mosque into an arms store. An explosion inside the mosque severely damaged its interior.

In 1919 Yugoslavia began to dismantle the building in order to re build the Monastery of the Archangel with its stones.
Demonstrations and protests by the population finally saved the mosque.

In 1941 it became again a religious building... until 1945.
Nevertheless it was declared a cultural monument and was protected by law.
During the 60's the mosque served as a museum of oriental handwritings and in 1969 it was returned to the islamic union.

Some restorations of the mural paintings were held in the 70's and the 80's. The last restoration was in 1991. Until now, under the sponsorship of Turkey, huge restoration works are going on.

There were 4 guys working at the Mosque when I was there. They spoke a little German, but no English. I asked them if I could visit and they were very pleased to show me the place.

The paintings are really beautiful, but run down by time and humidity.

Suzi Celebi Mosque.

Arasta Minaret.