Djumaya (Friday Mosque), Plovdiv

The Friday Mosque's origins can be traced to the late 14th century when it was constructed on the site of the former Sveta Petka Tarnovska Cathedral Church, shortly after Plovdiv was conquered by the Ottoman army (1363 – 1364). However, it was during the reign of Sultan Murad II (1421 – 1451) that the original structure was demolished and replaced by the magnificent mosque that stands today. It earned the name "Ulu Dzhumaya Mosque," signifying its status as the main Friday mosque in the city.

The Friday Mosque is not only one of the oldest Ottoman religious buildings in the Balkans but also one of the most sizable. Its imposing rectangular design boasts a spacious prayer hall measuring 33 meters by 27 meters. The mosque exhibits architectural influences from both Byzantine and ancient Bulgarian traditions, evident in its construction with two layers of brick set atop each layer of cut stone.

In contrast to later single-domed mosques, the Friday Mosque belongs to the category of multi-domed mosques. It features nine domes covered with lead sheets, adding to its architectural grandeur. A minaret adorns the northeast corner of the main facade, featuring a distinctive diagonal square meshwork pattern crafted from red bricks set in white mortar plaster.

Upon entering the mosque, visitors are greeted by a captivating interior adorned with intricate floral ornament wall paintings. These decorative elements include depictions of twigs, blossoms, and garlands intricately intertwined with medallions bearing inscriptions from the Quran. These wall paintings likely date back to the late 18th century or the early 19th century, showcasing the artistic heritage of the period.