The Mosque of Pasha Qasim (Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Pecs (must see)

Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, formerly known as the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, is a significant historical and architectural landmark in Pecs. Originally constructed between 1543 and 1546 by Pasha Qasim the Victorious during the Ottoman occupation, this building remains one of the largest surviving Ottoman structures in Hungary. Situated prominently on Széchenyi Square, it stands as a testament to the city's layered history, where East meets West in a remarkable architectural fusion.

Evliya Celebi, the famed Turkish traveler, praised the mosque's scenic location in the 1660s, reflecting its importance in the city's skyline. Following the reconquest of Pecs by Habsburg-Hungarian forces in 1702, the mosque transformed into a Roman Catholic church. Over the centuries, numerous modifications were made, including the demolition of its minaret in 1766 by Jesuits and the enlargement of certain architectural elements. However, the mosque's distinctive octagonal base and domed structure, inspired by traditional Ottoman design, have been preserved, maintaining its historical essence.

Despite its conversion, remnants of its Islamic past remain. Inside the church, visitors can still observe intricate Ottoman decorations and Qur'anic inscriptions on sections of the original plaster. The mihrab, which once guided Muslim worshippers toward Mecca, was removed but later restored. Two vessels used in the bathhouse of Pasha Gazi Kassim now serve as holy water basins, illustrating the site's evolving religious significance.

The structure's defining features include two rows of arched windows, arranged in a 3-3 and 4-4 pattern on three of its facades, which cast a warm, greenish-yellow glow inside. This illumination enhances the sense of continuity between its past and present functions. Today, the church offers an immersive experience through modern interactive exhibits that guide visitors through its complex history and architectural transformations.

The Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not only a symbol of Pecs but also Hungary's most important example of Turkish-Islamic architecture. It stands as a rare and evocative witness to the centuries-old cultural and religious exchanges that have shaped the city, inviting visitors to explore its rich and layered past.