Turkey and Bulgaria to partner in the restoration of two historical mosques
In a significant step towards preserving centuries-old Ottoman architecture in the Balkans, the Directorate General of Foundations (VGM) of Turkey and the Grand Mufti's Office of the Republic of Bulgaria have joined forces to restore two historic mosques: the Sari Huseyin Pasha Mosque in Provadia and the Hz. Ebubekir Mosque in Yambol.
The Sari Huseyin Pasha Mosque, built in 1703 and located in Provadia, holds the legal status of a "Local Immovable Cultural Property" under Bulgarian heritage law. The identity of the mosque as a vakif cultural asset is documented in an archival record dated Nov. 18, 755 in the Islamic calendar. The Hz. Ebubekir Mosque, on the other hand, is believed to have been constructed in the early period of Ottoman rule in the Balkans and remains open for worship, despite cracks appearing in its walls in recent years.
The restoration initiative is more than just a collaborative effort to preserve these historic buildings. It aims to revive the shared cultural legacy between Turkey and Bulgaria. The cooperation extends beyond structural restoration, seeking to revive the long-standing cultural legacy and collective memory shared between the two countries.
The signing ceremony took place at the VGM headquarters in Ankara, attended by VGM Director General Sinan Aksu and Bulgaria's Grand Mufti Mustafa Haci. The cooperation protocol also marks a significant step in preserving Ottoman architecture in the Balkans.
The Sari Huseyin Pasha Mosque, located roughly 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) from Edirne, and the Hz. Ebubekir Mosque in Yambol will be restored faithfully to their original state as part of the restoration work. The restoration of these mosques represents a collaborative effort to preserve monumental Ottoman-era architecture and revive a shared cultural and historical heritage.
This restoration initiative stands as a tangible expression of ongoing cultural dialogue and cooperation between Turkey and Bulgaria, reinforcing their historical connections through preserving shared Islamic and Ottoman cultural assets in Bulgaria. The project goes beyond mere structural repair; it symbolizes an intention to nurture the collective memory and cultural legacy rooted in centuries of Ottoman influence in the Balkans.
The signing ceremony was coordinated by the Directorate of Foreign Relations within VGM. The restoration of the Hz. Ebubekir Mosque and the Sari Huseyin Pasha Mosque is a significant step towards preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage shared by Turkey and Bulgaria.
[1] Turkish Directorate General of Foundations (VGM) Press Release, [date] [2] Bulgarian Grand Mufti's Office Press Release, [date]
- The partnership between the Turkish Directorate General of Foundations (VGM) and the Grand Mufti's Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, established at VGM headquarters in Ankara, seeks not only to restore the Sari Huseyin Pasha Mosque in Turkiye, but also to revive the shared cultural legacy between the two countries.
- The restoration of the Sari Huseyin Pasha Mosque, built in 1703, will be conducted with technology to ensure its faithful restoration, a testament to the ongoing cultural dialogue and cooperation between Turkey and Bulgaria.
