Xhamia Mbret: A Testament to Berat's Islamic Heritage

Xhamia Mbret, also called the King Mosque, is a cultural monument in Berat, celebrated for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Built in 1492, during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II, the mosque is one of the oldest in Albania and a significant example of Ottoman-era religious architecture. The mosque's architecture features a distinct wooden roof and elaborately decorated ceilings adorned with intricate floral and geometric patterns. The prayer hall is notable for its skillfully painted details, including a wide two-story gallery supported by wooden pillars. The mihrab (a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca) and the mimbar (pulpit) add to the beauty and decorative structure of the mosque. A rosette in the center of the ceiling contains inscriptions of Quranic sayings, and a frieze below the ceiling displays the 99 beautiful names of God. The open portico, built at the end of the 18th century, embraces an arcade supported by stone columns, providing another space for prayer. The minaret, a characteristic element of Muslim architecture, has a reconstructed upper part, while the base retains the original 15th-century design. Xhamia Mbret is not only a holy place but also a symbol of Berat's diverse cultural past and religious harmony.