Aziziye Mosque, Varna

The Aziziye Mosque stands as one of Varna’s few surviving Ottoman religious structures. Though the exact date of its founding remains uncertain, historical accounts suggest two main possibilities: it was either originally constructed around 1795, or later rebuilt in 1869, likely in honor of Sultan Abdul Aziz.

Architecturally, the mosque is modest in scale - a low-lying building with a simple yet harmonious design. Its most remarkable feature is the square-based minaret situated to the right of its entrance, an architectural trait common to Ottoman designs of the period. Inside, visitors will find elements typical of traditional Muslim worship spaces: a small prayer niche pointing toward Mecca, a designated area for wudu, and a raised women's gallery located behind the entrance terrace.

The mosque’s historical resilience is particularly compelling. Records recount that its roof succumbed to collapse in 1976 due to neglect, but restoration efforts began in 1990, allowing regular prayers to resume by 1992. Today, though it may lack grand ornamentation, its quiet presence offers a peaceful pause amid the city’s bustling streets.