Old Mosque, Ottoman-era mosque and museum in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
The Old Mosque is an Ottoman-era structure in Stara Zagora featuring a rectangular prayer hall and traditional design elements from that period. Inside, archaeological collections from different time periods are displayed, documenting the region's history.
The structure was built starting in 1451 under Grand Vizier Veli Mahmud Pasha and developed over decades, even after the patron's death in the 1470s. Later it was converted and now serves as a repository for local archaeological finds.
The building displays Islamic architecture alongside Bulgarian artifacts that have been gathered since its transformation into a museum. Visitors see this blend at every step through the rooms.
Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and be respectful as the space holds both religious and historical importance. Guided tours help explain the various aspects of the collection and architecture.
The building remains the oldest surviving structure of its kind in the city and continues to draw visitors interested in exploring both architectural heritage and local archaeology. Its conversion from a sacred place to an educational space shows how a building can maintain its function while serving entirely new purposes.
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