Red Mosque, Berat

The Red Mosque, also known as the Conquest Mosque, is a former mosque in a ruinous state, located in Berat Castle, Berat, Albania. The former mosque was designated as a Cultural Monument of Albania in 1961; and forms part of the Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was designated in 2005.

History

According to Ottoman explorer, Evliya Çelebi, the former mosque was built under the reign of Bayazid II. It was probably built in the 15th century and was one of the oldest mosques in the country. It was most likely built shortly after the conquest of Berat by the Ottomans in 1417. The oldest written record dates from 1431/32. The original names were Mosque of the ruler and Mosque of conquest.
The former mosque was used by caravans crossing the continent, and later by the Ottoman army.

Description

The former mosque was located just outside the citadel, within the Berat Castle. The mosque was built with red bricks, hence its name, and limestone, with a timber roof. The minaret is unusually on the left of entrance. The cylindrical part on its top is unique in Islamic culture. Inside, a small circular staircase gives access to the top for a 360° view of the castle and the city.