Haji Turgut (Cross Mosque), Ohrid
The Cross Mosque (Haji Turgut) is a historically significant building in Ohrid, with a rich narrative that intertwines the local Christian and Islamic heritage. Constructed in 1466 during the Ottoman era, it stands as the oldest mosque in the town. Intriguingly, it was erected on the site of the former Saint Kyriakia Church, adding layers of cultural and religious significance to its location.
The mosque is renowned for the unique feature of a small cross nestled within the crescent on its minaret, a rare sight that embodies the mosque's storied past. According to local legend, the original cross of the church was discarded into the lake by the Turks during the construction of the mosque. Miraculously, the cross kept returning to the top of the minaret. Efforts to remove it led to the collapse of the minaret multiple times. Eventually, a dream revealed that the minaret would only remain standing if the cross was left in place. Yielding to this divine sign, the builders placed the cross within the crescent, and the minaret has stood ever since.
This fascinating blend of Christian and Islamic symbols not only highlights the mosque's unique architectural and spiritual heritage but also reflects the complex interfaith history of the region. The Cross Mosque remains a symbol of cultural synthesis and is a key historic and religious site in Ohrid.
The mosque is renowned for the unique feature of a small cross nestled within the crescent on its minaret, a rare sight that embodies the mosque's storied past. According to local legend, the original cross of the church was discarded into the lake by the Turks during the construction of the mosque. Miraculously, the cross kept returning to the top of the minaret. Efforts to remove it led to the collapse of the minaret multiple times. Eventually, a dream revealed that the minaret would only remain standing if the cross was left in place. Yielding to this divine sign, the builders placed the cross within the crescent, and the minaret has stood ever since.
This fascinating blend of Christian and Islamic symbols not only highlights the mosque's unique architectural and spiritual heritage but also reflects the complex interfaith history of the region. The Cross Mosque remains a symbol of cultural synthesis and is a key historic and religious site in Ohrid.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ohrid. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Haji Turgut (Cross Mosque) on Map
Sight Name: Haji Turgut (Cross Mosque)
Sight Location: Ohrid, Macedonia (See walking tours in Ohrid)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Ohrid, Macedonia (See walking tours in Ohrid)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Ohrid, Macedonia
Create Your Own Walk in Ohrid
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ohrid is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ohrid Introduction Walking Tour
Ohrid was called "Lychnidos", meaning "City of Light." By the late 9th century, the town was referred to as "Ohrid." This is Slavic, meaning "on a hill." With its 365 churches, it was known as "Jerusalem of the Balkans."
Legend says King Cadmus, banished from Thebes, founded the town on a hill overlooking the lucid waters of Lake Ohrid. That may... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Legend says King Cadmus, banished from Thebes, founded the town on a hill overlooking the lucid waters of Lake Ohrid. That may... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Ohrid's Historical Churches
According to the legend based on the observations of 15th-century Ottoman traveler Evlia Celebia, the town of Ohrid used to have within its boundaries 365 chapels – one for every day of the year. At some point during Medieval times, Ohrid was even dubbed Slavic Jerusalem. Today, although the number of churches is considerably smaller, the architectural and historical value of those that remain... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles