Banya Bashi Mosque

Because of an old preserved inscription onto the stone above the door, we could guess it was built in 1567, yet there is data it could be even older. The architect had chosen for its construction placing stones and bricks in turns. The building was designed in solid manner, with thick masonry, rectangular shape and supporting facilities in the corners, one exceptionally beautiful and very high minaret, big lead dome in the middle and three small ones in the anterior additional building, the columns are made of a whole stone piece. There is an arch above the entrance. The interior is divided in two levels, whereas the upper one was designated for women. Officially, it is named after its founder and main donator, “Mullah Effendi Qadi Seifullah”, yet even in ancient times people knew it as the Banyabasi Mosque (which means next to the “bath” or many “baths”), because of its proximity to the old Turkish bath dating back to the XVI century, whose spring is famous since Roman times and is active today. It is located behind the mosque, and today it is museum of Sofia. Slightly aside, there is still a public fountain with hot mineral water that is part of the same ancient spring.
The mosque was recently restored and is in excellent condition at present. Inside it you could see mihrab that is typical to every mosque (a niche into the wall pointing towards Mecca), minrab (a wooden staircase with high podium, from where the imam reads the prayer), frescos, inscriptions, colourful decorations made of stones and marble, prepared according to the Muslim laws with geometric and floral motives and inscriptions that quote the Coran. A beautiful massive chandelier hangs above the central hall.