In the village of Gospodintsi — known as Çırapol during the Ottoman period — residents have built what they proudly call “The Pearl of the Rhodope Mountains,” a striking new mosque constructed entirely through community cooperation, without a single lev being spent.
Osman Kutrev, the Regional Mufti of Blagoevgrad, told Anadolu Agency that the project was a remarkable example of unity and faith:
“This architectural masterpiece was completed in just three years, thanks to the voluntary efforts of hundreds of people. It was built entirely through goodwill — not a single coin was paid,” Kutrev said.
Located near the Greek border, the Golden Mosque stands as the only visible and operational mosque along the main route connecting northern Greece to Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia.
“Its domes are made of gold-colored metal. The people themselves chose the name — they said, ‘Let’s call it the Golden Mosque.’ Everyone who passes by agrees that the name fits perfectly,” Kutrev added.
The Mufti emphasized that both Muslims and non-Muslims participated in the construction process, describing the mosque as a symbol of harmony:
“Everyone contributed — regardless of religion. A mosque is, by nature, a place that unites people,” he said.
Kutrev also thanked donors from Türkiye, who provided carpets, chandeliers, the minbar, and the mihrab that now adorn the mosque’s interior.
Built in the spirit of classical Ottoman architecture
Architect Valentin Tufekchiev, who designed the project free of charge, said the structure was inspired by classical Ottoman architecture:
“We designed every detail of the mosque according to traditional Ottoman principles,” Tufekchiev told Anadolu Agency after performing prayer inside. “It was both an honor and a moral duty for us to contribute to this project.”
He added that travelers passing through Gospodintsi often stop to admire the mosque’s beauty and craftsmanship.
“A mosque built by golden hearts and golden hands”
Gospodintsi Mayor Ahmed Hocov said the Golden Mosque has become a new cultural and spiritual landmark for the Gotse Delchev Municipality:
“Built entirely through the hard work of our people, the Golden Mosque is considered a jewel among Bulgaria’s Islamic places of worship. Visitors call it ‘The Pearl of the Rhodope Mountains,’ and we take great pride in that,” Hocov said.
He noted that the mosque has transformed the landscape of the Gotse Delchev region:
“Standing in such a strategic location, our mosque was built by the golden hands and golden hearts of our community,” he added.
Qur’an lessons for local students
The mosque’s imam, Sefer Bayraktarov, said the Golden Mosque belongs not only to the local congregation but to the entire Muslim community in Bulgaria:
“This mosque is not just ours — it is a gift to all Muslims,” he said.
Bayraktarov explained that Qur’an lessons are held on weekends for children from the surrounding area, emphasizing the community’s strong connection to their faith:
“The magnificence of this mosque has deepened our love for Islam even more. Its design fills the interior with light — just like our faith. The colorful stained-glass windows reflect the diversity of our people,” he added.
Open 24 hours a day for both worship and visitation, the Golden Mosque has quickly become a popular stop for local residents and international travelers passing through the Rhodope Mountains, easily visible from the main road and admired as one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful new mosques.
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