The original Balizade Mosque, a relic of Ottoman influence, once graced the cityscape, standing opposite the ancient Clock Tower and within the bustling Uzun Bazaar. Its construction in the 17th century positioned it as one of Albania’s most notable mosques, a testament to the region’s rich architectural heritage. However, the advent of communism in the mid-20th century precipitated a period of cultural upheaval, leading to the mosque’s tragic demise. In 1967, infamously known as the “dark year” for Albanian religious identity, the mosque, along with many other religious buildings, was ordered for demolition.The obliteration of the Balizade Mosque stands as a stark reminder of Albania’s complex relationship with its heritage and religious identity, perceived by many as one of the worst crimes against Islamic architecture and national heritage in the country. Five decades after the destruction of the original mosque, the Elbasan Muftiate commissioned the design of the new Ballie Mosque, to be the largest and most important one in the city. The initial requests were to either make a replica of the old Balizade mosque or a classical ottoman mosque. After long debates to reject mere imitation but focus more on the mosque’s role within contemporary society, the muftiate was convinced to welcome a new mosque that would resonate and engage with the evolving spatial and socio-cultural landscape – a catalyst for its community’s creative and cultural growth. Through careful manipulation of light and geometry, the interior unfolds as a journey of introspection, offering respite from the urban cacophony. The space is filled with light, coming from discreetly placed openings that are never revealed at once to the visitor. Throughout the day, the mosque never looks the same, as the beams of light travel through the interior evoking the passage of time, a fundamental aspect of Islamic consciousness.
