Unveiling the Past: Architectural Characteristics of a Few Islamic Buildings in Prizren

Sedat Kryeziu, Qendrim Hoxha

Abstract


The first Islamic buildings in Prizren (Kosovo) are related to the conquest and establishment of the Ottoman administration in Kosovo, which began in the last quarter of the 14th century and ended in 1455. This period marked a turning point in the history of Kosovo's architecture. The Ottomans brought their culture and architectural traditions to a country with Christian traditions. Mosques, public baths (hammams), madrasas, bridges, bazaars, caravanserais, and other structures were built. The paper examines the architectural elements of three Islamic buildings in Prizren, a city with significant historical and cultural heritage. Furthermore, the paper provides insights into its design, construction techniques, and stylistic features. The scope of this paper includes historical context, architectural analyses, and cultural significance. The outcomes presented in this paper demonstrate that the first Islamic buildings in Kosovo embody authentic Ottoman values. The new values were later integrated into the local culture, resulting in the creation of a distinct Oriental style. In addition to the analysis of the synthesis, the comparative method was also employed in the drafting of this paper, drawing on relevant literature.

Keywords


Architecture; Mosque; Ottoman; Kosovo; Monuments

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.18860/jia.v8i4.26505

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