Mosque of Beqareve

The Mosque of Beqareve, also known as the Mosque of Sylejman Pasha, stands as a significant cultural landmark in Berat. Classified as an architectural monument on June 2, 1961, this mosque holds special historical and architectural importance, dating back to the early 19th century.

Situated in the lower part of the Mangalem neighborhood, the Beqareve' Mosque was originally constructed to cater to the needs of unmarried craftsmen guilds in the city. It also served as a gathering place for these guilds to organize night guard duties in the Bazaar.

A distinctive feature of this mosque is the intricate wall paintings adorning both its exterior and interior facades. Dating back to 1827-1828, these paintings showcase exceptional compositional skills, adding to the artistic and historical ambiance within the prayer hall.

Designed to accommodate the sloping terrain, the mosque is built on two floors. The lower floor features a colonnaded portico crafted from gray stone circles, while the minaret boasts a modest height. The monument's front is characterized by a portico adorned with stone circle columns. An external feature of note is the enclosure of the upper floor's open portico with arcades on three sides.

Renowned for its substantial volume, low minaret, and distinctive front arcade, the Beqarë Mosque is hailed as a cultural and historical treasure, offering insights into Berat's early history and preserving the architectural heritage of this culturally rich city.