Šarena Džamija

The Colorful Mosque (Albanian Xhamia e Larme, Xhamia e Ngjyrosur or Xhamia e Pashës; macedonian Sarena Džamija Шарена џамија; Turkish Alaca Cami ) in Tetovo is located at the Pena river in the old town at the junction of the roads as Miladinovi and Ilinden among other buildings from Ottoman period.

The mosque is abundant with colorful arabesques - decorated on the facade as well as inside - the ornaments from the Islamic art. Of these, the Islamic house of worship also got its name: the Turkish alaca adjective meaning " colorful ". From the Albanian population of the building is mostly called Xhamia e Pashës, which means in German " Pasha Mosque ".

Architectural History

The Colorful Mosque was built in 1495. According to inscriptions on the building two women were the trustees of the building.

In 1833 was allowed to completely renew and expand the mosque. The old building, with the exception of the minaret was demolished and a brand new replaced it. For these renovations come among others, the colorful decorations on exterior and interior façade. The new owner was a certain Abdurrahman Pasha, who was one of the best-known Pasha of Tetovo (Turkish Kalkandelen ). Next to the mosque he had the renewal of the city fortress ( Kalaja ) and the Tekke prescribe.

1991 restorations were made by the Muslim community.

Construction and equipment

Architecturally, the Colorful Mosque a ten by ten meters large Einraumgebäude dar. The open to the northwest portico is five meters wide, is supported by six stone columns and is closed at the top with a Mehfil. The sacred building has a tetrahedral roof ( hip roof ), which is covered with tiles old Turkish style. There is the minaret on the southwest side.

The present form of this mosque is an architectural blend of baroque and neo -classical Ottoman architecture represents the inside and outside placed decorations, the building owes its name. It act by geometric and floral pattern with figurative depictions of landscape and architectural motifs. The prayer niche ( mihrab ) and the pulpit ( minbar ) are designed marble in Baroque style. In the courtyard of the mosque includes a fountain for ritual ablutions ( wudu ʾ ) and a tomb ( Turbe ) for the trustees of the plant, and Hurshide Mensure.

The mosque is surrounded by a green area with flower beds; on the other side of the river stands the hamam.