Jakovali Hassan Mosque, Pecs (must see)

The Jakovali Hassan Mosque in Pecs is one of the most well-preserved Ottoman-era mosques in the country. Constructed in the early 17th century, it stands as a rare architectural relic from Hungary’s period under Ottoman rule. Named after its benefactor, Yakovalı Hasan Pasa, the mosque remains an active place of worship while also serving as a cultural and historical site.

Built during Ottoman rule in central Hungary, the mosque's exact date and architect are unknown, though it likely dates to the 1630s. Commissioned by Yakovalı Hasan Pasa, who funded its upkeep, the official had ties to Gjakova (Kosovo) or Dakovo (Croatia). A key military figure, he took part in the 1660 siege of Oradea and defended Ottoman strongholds in Pecs and Kanizsa.

After Pecs was recaptured by Austrian forces in 1686, the mosque ceased to serve as an Islamic place of worship. Converted into a Catholic chapel (1702–1732) under Bishop Nesselrode, its minaret became a bell tower, and Baroque carvings were added. Restoration in the 1960s removed these embellishments, and further work in the 2000s aligned with Pecs’s 2010 European Capital of Culture status. In 2022, a permanent exhibition featuring 16th-century furnishings from Turkey was added.

The mosque's design reflects classical Ottoman architecture, featuring a square base topped by a large dome and ogee windows. Oriented toward Mecca, it follows a northwest-southeast axis. The 22.5-meter-high minaret, once illuminated with oil lamps on religious holidays, is no longer accessible to visitors due to structural concerns. The mosque originally formed part of a larger complex that included a tekke (Sufi monastery), imaret (soup kitchen), and madrassa (Islamic school), though these structures have not survived.

In front of the mosque stands a statue of Ibrahim Pecevi (Ibrahim of Pecs), an Ottoman chronicler, sculpted by Turkish artist Metin Yurdanur and unveiled in 2016. This addition underscores the mosque's importance as a symbol of Hungary’s layered history, bridging Ottoman and European influences.

The Jakovali Hassan Mosque remains a unique and historically significant landmark in Pecs, preserving the legacy of Hungary’s Ottoman past while continuing to serve as a site of religious and cultural significance.