Perhaps one of the most controversial landmarks of Plovdiv is the Dzhumaya Mosque. The religious temple has repeatedly raised disputes and clashes between citizens, but nevertheless, the building is still one of the most interesting architectural phenomens in the history of the city.
Located in the center of the city, at the foot of Taksim Tepe, right on the border between the district street and the Kapana. You could say that the Dzhumaya separates the main street in two parts. Near the Ottoman monument is the Roman Stadium. This combination of Hellenic and Eastern culture raises many questions and gives a curious character of the structure of the city.
Its original name is Muradiye mosque because people believed that it was created during the reign of Sultan Murad and that he has financed this construction. The mosque is measuring 40 by 30 meters. The walls are built by two layers of bricks alternating with a layer of stone. The bricks are placed vertically between the stone blocks. It is believed that the builders were local because this kind of masonry is practiced in the Balkans before the arrival of the Ottoman Empire. Originally there were two entrances prayer - east and north, but these days, the eastern entrance is blocked up.The prayer room is covered with nine domes, carried by four pillars in the center of the building.
The building is remarkable in itself, and although the conflicting emotions that rise, it is taken as a cultural and historical temple. Right next to the one of the inputs, is functioning Turkish shop, which is always full of visitors - Christians and Muslims.
Whether split or unite ethnic groups, there is no place for questions The mosque was build for connoisseurs of architectural grace and for that very reason, you can’t stay dispassionate to its essence.
