Bajrakli Mosque (Çarshi Mosque)
The Bajrakli Mosque in Peja is Kosovo’s oldest surviving mosque, an Ottoman-era sanctuary built in 1471, where a single soaring dome and centuries of resilience echo through the heart of the city’s bazaar.
The Story
Built in 1471 by order of Sultan Mehmed II (Fatih), the Bajrakli Mosque is one of the earliest Islamic structures in Kosovo. Its name, “Bajrakli,” refers to the bajrak (banner) system of Ottoman military and administrative organization, suggesting the mosque’s central role in the civic and spiritual life of Peja’s bazaar.
Architecturally, the mosque features a single large dome, the oldest and tallest in the cit,y resting on a square base with a finely proportioned minaret. Its design reflects classical Ottoman imperial style, with subtle Balkan adaptations in stonework and layout.
The mosque has endured two major destructions: first in 1943, when Italian forces burned much of Peja’s bazaar during World War II, and again in 1999, when Serbian forces set fire to the mosque’s interior during the Kosovo War. In both cases, the mosque was painstakingly restored—first by Italian conservationists and later by a Turkish restoration team.
Today, the Bajrakli Mosque stands as a testament to Peja’s layered history and the resilience of its communities. It continues to serve as a functioning mosque and a cultural anchor in the revitalized Old Bazaar.
Insider Tips
Last update
Nov 30, 2025
Admission: Free; respectful attire required for entry
Photography: Allowed outside; interior photography may be restricted during prayer times
Open Hours: Open daily; best visited outside of Friday prayer hours
Alternate Names: Çarshi Mosque, Xhamia e Çarshisë, Bajrakli Xhamia
Getting There: Located in the center of Peja’s Old Bazaar, easily accessible on foot from the main square
