Turkey and Bulgaria to jointly work on the restoration of two historic mosques
**Turkey and Bulgaria Collaborate to Restore Historic Ottoman Mosques**
Turkey and Bulgaria are embarking on a joint restoration project to preserve two historic Ottoman-era mosques – the Hz. Ebubekir Mosque in Yambol and the Sari Huseyin Pasha Mosque in Provadia – as part of a broader cultural partnership aimed at reviving shared memory and heritage [1].
The collaboration was formalised through a cooperation protocol signed by Turkey’s Directorate General of Foundations (VGM) and Bulgaria’s Grand Mufti's Office at a ceremony in Ankara. The restoration aims to faithfully preserve the architecture of both mosques in their original state, benefiting both nations and supporting local Muslim communities who continue to use these religious sites [1].
The Sari Huseyin Pasha Mosque, located in Provadia near Varna, holds significant historical value. It is legally protected as a "Local Immovable Cultural Property" under Bulgarian heritage law and boasts a vakif endowment status under Islamic law since 755 AH (1344–1345 AD) [1]. Built in 1703, the mosque has been a cultural asset for centuries.
The Hz. Ebubekir Mosque, located approximately 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) from Edirne, is believed to have been constructed in the early period of Ottoman rule in the Balkans. Despite some structural wear, the mosque remains open for worship and continues to serve the local Muslim community [1].
The restoration projects are expected to benefit both Turkey and Bulgaria, contributing to the preservation of shared cultural heritage and strengthening historical ties. This collaboration extends beyond structural restoration, with a focus on reviving cultural legacy and shared memory between the two countries.
The cooperation between Turkey and Bulgaria is not connected to the ongoing debate about "Lebanonization" in Turkey or Turkey's patience in Syria. Additionally, over 35 foreign e-SIM providers have been blocked by Turkey, but the reason for this action remains unspecified.
The Turkish Directorate General of Foundations (VGM) and the Grand Mufti's Office of the Republic of Bulgaria have signed a cooperation protocol to oversee the restoration work on the Sari Huseyin Pasha Mosque and the Hz. Ebubekir Mosque, which is set to commence shortly. The signing ceremony was attended by VGM Director General Sinan Aksu and Bulgaria’s Grand Mufti Mustafa Haci.
Lastly, the restoration of both mosques falls under the broader cross-border cooperation initiatives between Bulgaria and Turkey, including programs fostering cultural, economic, and environmental collaboration in the border regions. For example, the Bulgaria–Turkey Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Interreg-IPA, led by Bulgaria, supports restoration of cultural monuments and community centers across both countries’ bordering provinces, enhancing cultural and tourism opportunities [2].
- Ankara, the capital city of Turkiye, hosted a ceremony where the Turkish Directorate General of Foundations (VGM) and the Grand Mufti's Office of the Republic of Bulgaria signed a cooperation protocol for the restoration of the Sari Huseyin Pasha Mosque in Turkiye's neighboring country, Bulgaria.
- While the restoration of these historic Ottoman-era mosques is a significant cultural travel destination, it is important to note that this collaboration between Turkiye and Bulgaria is not linked to the ongoing political debates in the region, such as "Lebanonization" in Turkiye or Turkey's stance on Syria.
- Going beyond structural restoration, this cultural-travel project also aims to revive shared memory and heritage, promoting a health-and-wellness lifestyle and fitness-and-exercise through the maintenance of cultural sites.
- For those interested in exploring the region, this collaboration extends the possibilities of lifestyle travel, offering unique experiences that combine health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and cultural exploration.
- As part of cross-border cooperation initiatives, this restoration project falls under the Bulgaria–Turkey Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Interreg-IPA, which supports the restoration of cultural monuments and community centers across the bordering provinces, enhancing cultural and tourism opportunities for travelers interested in a cultural-travel experience encompassing science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and Syrian history.
