Gallery
Description
Property Name: Sultan Mehmet II Al-Fatih Mosque
Inventory No: 381-38-2
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2008-02-27
Country (State party): Kosovo
Province: Pristina
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 42° 40′ 1.09″ N
21° 10′ 0.76″ E
Historic Period: Classic Ottoman (1453-1579)
Year of Construction: 1460-1461
Style: Classical Ottoman
Original Use: Mosque
Current Use: Mosque
Architect: Unknown
Significance
This mosque, also known as Mbretit Mosque, was built by Sultan Mehmet II al-Fatih (“The Conqueror”) in 1460-1461. It is located in the center of the historic city beside the clock tower and represents its landmark, being the largest and most prominent mosque of Pristina.
Selection Criteria
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
In 1682-1683, the mosque was restored under the reign of Sultan Mehmet IV.
The minaret was again repaired after the earthquake in 1955.
Under the current conditions, the stone of the pillars of the portico suffer from disintegration. Also many stones in the different façades are deteriorated. The stone surface of the walls is covered with soot, dust and therefore is discolored in some places. The lead covering of the domes of the portico and the main dome are cracked and this caused rain water infiltration through the roof. Bad infrastructure in the area as well heavy rains have caused dampness in the wall by capillary action. In some places the stones are repaired with cement. Wooden fittings and wooden windows and the door also need repair. Metal lattice in the lower windows need repair and cleaning. The Mosque, for which restoration work was done by TIKA in 2010.
References
Cultural Heritage in South-East Europe: Kosovo, Document of UNESCO,
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001344/134426e.pdf