Omar Efendi Mosque

Nestled near the Lower Caravanserai, the Omar Efendi Mosque is a charming structure renowned for its patterned brick facade, featuring semicircular window arches and a decorative cornice. Built in the 19th century, this mosque has remarkably preserved its original appearance throughout the years. During the Soviet era, the mosque was repurposed as a storage facility, but it resumed its religious functions after 1950.

Tragically, in 1986, the mosque was severely damaged by a fire caused by a natural disaster. However, in 1987, thanks to the initiative of Imam Haji Selim Efendi from the Juma Mosque in Sheki and the generous donations from local residents, the mosque was restored and brought back to life.

The Omar Efendi Mosque boasts a rectangular shape, with its brick cornice and the walls between the windows adorned with delicately protruding patterns that enhance its architectural beauty. The mosque covers an area of 105 square meters, while the surrounding grounds extend over 525 square meters. Local building materials, such as pebbles and burnt bricks, were utilized in its construction. The roof is clad in iron sheets, and both the floor and ceiling are made of wood.

An open balcony greets visitors at the entrance of the mosque. Worshippers perform their ablutions in a pool located in the courtyard before entering the spacious and brightly lit prayer hall. The main prayer area features 14 windows, allowing natural light to fill the space. At the front of the main hall, there is an additional prayer room measuring 80 square meters, with 45 square meters allocated for women, while the remaining area serves as a corridor.

The mosque’s minbar (pulpit) is crafted from wood and embellished with elegant hand-carved patterns. The mihrab, adorned with floral motifs, reaches a height of three meters, showcasing the artistry involved in its design.

The mosque’s minaret, also constructed from burnt bricks, is round in shape and stands at a height of 14 meters. The intricate brick patterns on the minaret, which is part of the main mosque complex, highlight the skill of the craftsmen who built it.