The Cultural Heritage Assets of the Ottoman Period in Montenegro Examples From the Bijelo Polje Mosques

Abstract

This article discusses the mosques built during the Ottoman period in Montenegro, using examples from the mosques in Bijelo Polje. The Ottoman Empire constructed numerous mosques in cities that are now part of present-day Montenegro. The aim of this study is to present examples of the mosques built by the Ottoman Empire in the city of Bijelo Polje, located in the Sancak region of Montenegro, in order to highlight the architectural features and historical developments of Ottoman mosques as tangible elements of the region’s cultural heritage. The article draws on sources such as the Montenegro archives, province almanacs, and literature. It first provides geographical and historical information about Montenegro and Bijelo Polje. Then, it discusses the mosques built by the Ottoman Empire in Bijelo Polje. Through the research conducted, 14 mosques built during Ottoman rule in Bijelo Polje were identified, one more than mentioned in the literature. The mosques Bistrica, Gradska, Sutivan, and Rasovu are examined as sample mosques. Information on their construction dates and restorations is provided, followed by a discussion of their architectural features. In the conclusion section, a comparison is made between the mosques in Bijelo Polje and classical Ottoman mosques, and recommendations are provided for the preservation of these significant cultural assets for future generations, as well as for their integration into cultural tourism. © 2024, Abidin Temizer. All rights reserved.