The Seamen’s Mosque is one of the most significant monuments of Islamic architecture and cultural heritage in Ulcinj. In addition to the current name of the Mosque of Sailors, according to written sources it is also known as the Mosque of Rana, of Ibrahim Pasha Bushatli, of Skele (Port).
There are several opinions about the foundations of this mosque. The legends about the first foundations of this mosque say that they date back long before Ulcinj came under the administration of the Ottoman Empire, as a result of contacts with Mediterranean muslim traders.
According to archival documentation, it has been proven that this mosque was built by Ibrahim Pashë Bushatliu in 1798, leaving four shops in Shkodra’s bazaar for its maintenance.
Referring to the legend that the foundations of this mosque were before the Ottoman Empire, it can be assumed that Ibrahim Pasha built it on the foundations of an earlier building, even of the mesjid type.
Its architecture was a masterpiece, with a towering minaret dominating the seascape of the bay. The minaret of this mosque served as a beacon of light for sailors, built of hewn stone and bound with quality lead, it was a reference point for ships.
The mosque was noted for its beauty with vaults in front of the entrance gate which surrounded the vestibule and with a four-bay roof. The location in Rana (Sand) made it known as “Rana Mosque”. Also, due to the importance it had for sailors, it was also known as the “Seaman’s Mosque”.
Unfortunately, in 1931, the authorities of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia demolished this mosque and the area where it was located was later turned into a parking lot.
The discovery of the foundations of the mosque during the construction of a private facility in 2003 represents an important moment in the preservation of cultural heritage in Ulqin. After a five-year procedure of returning the location to the Islamic Community, the restoration began in 2008 under the supervision of the Islamic Community – Ulqin by carrying out the initial construction with the fonds collected by the people of Ulqin, and then the construction works up to the opening of the mosque were carried out under the supervision of the Islamic Community – Ulqin and the Mufti of Alanya from Türkiye, with the donation of Mehmet Nevzat Shifa and his sons.
The solemn opening of the mosque on June 1, 2012 symbolizes the renewal of not only the physical structure, but also the spiritual identity of the community.
The mosque is decorated with calligraphy and baroque decorations with a 3D effect.
The Seamen’s Mosque now stands as a beacon of tradition, faith and community, welcoming worshipers and visitors with its beauty and historical significance.
Dimensions: 16.5 X 7.5 m
The height of the minaret: 31 m
