Kurshumli Mosque

Commissioned in 1587 by Hasan Beg Bulla-Zade, a prominent Ottoman civic figure, the Kurshumli Mosque was part of a larger urban ensemble that included the nearby Haxhi Beu Hammam. Its construction marked a period of architectural and administrative consolidation in Peja, reflecting the city’s growing importance within the Ottoman provincial system.

The mosque’s defining feature is its lead-covered dome, which gave rise to its name. The structure follows classical Ottoman design principles: a square prayer hall topped with a central dome, a finely proportioned minaret, and a modest courtyard. The interior includes a mihrab, wooden pulpit (minber), and decorative calligraphy.

Over the centuries, the mosque has survived fires, wars, and political transitions. It was damaged during the 1999 Kosovo War but was restored in the early 2000s with support from local and international heritage organizations. The restoration preserved its original stonework and dome structure, while reinforcing its foundations and interior elements.

Today, the Kurshumli Mosque remains an active place of worship and a cultural anchor in Peja’s historic district. It hosts daily prayers, religious festivals, and educational visits, and is often included in heritage tours of the city. Its proximity to other Ottoman-era landmarks makes it a key node in understanding Peja’s layered urban and spiritual history.