Gjakova Sights: Mosques, Tekkes, Bridges
The Old Bazaar Core
Most of Gjakova’s landmarks stand within a few minutes’ walk of each other around the Old Bazaar. The bazaar burned in 1999 and was rebuilt, so what you see today is largely a reconstruction on the old street plan.
Hadum Mosque. Built in 1594 to 1595 by Sylejman Hadum Aga, this was the first mosque in Gjakova and is still a working mosque. The interior and dome are painted in secco. It was restored in 2003 to 2005, with a later phase in 2010, while the madrasa, library and shops attached to it were destroyed in 1999. Visit outside prayer times and dress modestly. There are no official visiting hours, and the doors may be closed.
Clock Tower. The Sahat Kulla was built in 1597, burned in 1912 and had its belfry taken to Montenegro. It was rebuilt on the old foundations and rises about 30 m. It is seen from the outside only.
Kulla of Abdullah Pashë Dreni. This three-storey stone tower of 1790 stands at the bazaar entrance and now houses the Tourist Information Centre.
Sufi Tekkes
The Sheh Emin Tekke of the Sa’di order, at the northern end of the bazaar, dates from the 18th century and has carved timber details and tombs. A caretaker family looks after it, so visit by arrangement and with respect. The Bektashi Tekke was built in 1790, burned in 1999 and rebuilt in 2004 to 2006, and the baba often shows visitors around. The Grand Tekke, about 10 minutes from the centre, is described as the oldest Sa’di tekke in Rumelia.
Bridges
- Tabak Bridge crosses the Erenik south of town. It dates from 1771, is about 127 m long and is now for pedestrians only.
- Taliq Bridge crosses the Krena at the southern edge of the bazaar. It was built in 1816 and is also for pedestrians.
- Terzi Bridge is about 10 km east near Bishtazhin. It has 11 arches, runs 190 to 193 m, was restored in 1982 to 1984 and is best seen on foot, since a modern road runs beside it.
Museum and Church
The Ethnographic Museum occupies the house of Rexhep Haxhi Ismaili, built in 1830 and protected since 1955, in the centre opposite the Municipal Assembly. Check locally before going. The Church of Saint Paul and Saint Peter, a modern Catholic landmark with twin towers, is a 25 to 30 minute walk toward Albania.
Places of Remembrance
Gjakova was badly hit in 1999, and two places call for a quiet, respectful visit. The Çabrat martyrs’ and fallen cemetery, on the hill west of the bazaar, honours those killed in the battle of 7 to 10 May 1999. About 4 km north-west of town, a memorial recalls the people killed at Meja on 27 April 1999, about 377 civilians, mostly men and boys. 27 April is the National Day of Missing Persons. Keep voices low, dress plainly and do not photograph mourners.
Read more: walking tours of Gjakova puts these stops in a sensible order.
Heritage dates are drawn from Wikipedia’s list of historical monuments in Gjakova , mosque restoration details from CHwB Kosova , and guided visits can be found on GetYourGuide .