Kursum Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Karlovo, Bulgaria
The Kursum Mosque is a place of worship in Karlovo featuring traditional Ottoman design with a central dome and minaret on a rectangular plan. The interior follows classical Ottoman proportions with dedicated areas for prayer and devotion.
The building was constructed in 1485 by Karlu Ali Bey during Ottoman rule and remains Karlovo's oldest standing monument. Its foundation marked an early phase of Ottoman urban development in the region.
The mosque serves the local Muslim community as a gathering place for prayers and religious observances. It shapes daily life in central Karlovo and remains an important social meeting point for residents.
The mosque is located in central Karlovo and is easily reached on foot, though visits work best outside the five daily prayer times. Visitors should expect to dress modestly and behave respectfully, particularly if present during or just before prayer hours.
The name comes from the Turkish word for lead, a material used in the original roof construction. This feature made the building notable during the early Ottoman period in the region.
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