Uzundzhovo Church
Haskovo
The Church of the Assumption, officially known as the Church of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God, is located in the village of Uzundzhovo in Haskovo Municipality, Bulgaria. Originally constructed as a mosque in the late 16th century, it was converted into a Bulgarian Orthodox church in 1906 following the liberation of Bulgaria and the departure of the Turkish population. The building is notable for its Ottoman architectural style, including a dome supported by columns and pendentives, and an octagonal stone outer wall with decorative buttresses. The church stands as a testament to the village's historical role as a major trade center during the Ottoman era, hosting the famous Uzundzhovo Fair, which attracted tens of thousands of merchants annually. The mosque was designed, according to some sources, by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, though this is debated among scholars. The church was extensively restored in 2007, preserving its unique blend of cultural heritage. Today, it features an open-air exhibition detailing the history of the Uzundzhovo Fair, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during the warmer months when the Uzundzhovo Fair exhibition is accessible and the village is lively. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance and consider guided tours to fully appreciate the site's historical context. Discounts may be available for groups or students. Booking ahead is recommended during peak tourist seasons to ensure entry and guided services.
Interesting facts
- •Uzundzhovo hosted the largest Ottoman Empire fair, lasting up to 40 days and attracting between 50,000 and 150,000 visitors annually during its peak in the 18th century.
- •The mosque was possibly designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who funded its construction with 30,000 qirsh in 1593.
- •The church is the largest village church in Bulgaria, showcasing a rare blend of Ottoman and Orthodox Christian architectural elements.
- •During restoration, two medieval Arabic inscriptions with religious and philosophical themes were discovered on the church walls.
- •The dome is supported by an intricate system of columns and pendentives, with external stone buttresses shaped as equilateral triangles for both structural and decorative purposes.
History
The original Bulgarian village and church were destroyed during the Ottoman conquest.
In 1593, under Sultan Bayezid II, a caravanserai complex including a mosque was built, around which the village of Uzundzhovo developed.
The mosque was likely constructed between 1593 and 1595, with some attributing its design to Mimar Sinan, though this is disputed.
After Bulgaria's liberation in 1878 and the departure of the Turkish population, the mosque was neglected until the local Christian church collapsed.
In 1906, the mosque was converted into an Orthodox church.
The building underwent a major restoration in 2007, reaffirming its status as a significant historical and cultural monument.
Place Guide
Main Dome and Structurecirca 1593-1595
The dome is a hemispherical shape built from thin bricks on a square base, supported internally by eight hidden columns and externally by 24 buttresses arranged in groups of six at each corner. This architectural design ensures stability and excellent acoustics within the church.
Open-Air Uzundzhovo Fair Exhibitionestablished post-2000s
Located in the church courtyard, this permanent outdoor exhibition features 12 panels narrating the history and legends of the Uzundzhovo Fair, once the most significant trade event in the Ottoman Empire, held annually for nearly two centuries.
Contact
Phone: 038 666 444
