Husein Pasha's Mosque

Understanding the Mosque and Its Place in Pljevlja

Husein Pasha's Mosque stands near the centre of Pljevlja and is closely tied to the town's long Ottoman period, when Pljevlja was an important administrative and trading centre on routes linking Bosnia, Herzegovina and the wider Balkans. The mosque is traditionally associated with Husein Pasha Boljanić, an Ottoman official who came from the surrounding region, and its foundation reflects the way local notables of the time endowed religious buildings for their home towns.

What to notice when you visit

The building follows the classic single-domed plan found in many sixteenth-century Ottoman mosques. A few features are worth looking at closely:

• The minaret, one of the tallest in the region, is a recognisable landmark on the town's skyline and a useful reference point when walking around the centre.
• The dome and portico, which show the balanced proportions typical of Ottoman architecture of this era.
• The interior decoration, including painted ornament and calligraphy. The mosque is also known for preserving valuable old manuscripts, among them a richly illuminated copy of the Qur'an.

Practical and respectful visiting

The mosque is an active place of worship, so visits should fit around prayer times. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered; women are usually expected to cover their hair, and everyone removes their shoes before entering. Ask before taking photographs inside, and keep voices low. Access arrangements can change, so it is sensible to check locally before planning your visit around the interior.

Reading further

If the mosque sparks an interest in the town's past, the library is a good next stop. Our catalog is the place to search for books on Ottoman architecture, the history of the Sandžak region and the cultural heritage of Pljevlja, and our guides suggest other heritage sites to combine with this one on a walk through town. Earlier local-history features can be found among our past coverage.