Ballie Mosque

Besart Cani

• Architects

In the heart of Elbasan, Albania, the completion of the Ballie Mosque in 2023 marks a pivotal moment in the city’s architectural narrative. Facing the central boulevard parallel to the famous Via Egnatia, it stands opposite the city’s 2000-year-old remains, inhabited medieval castle and next to the communist-period theatre. In this tight 200x200m piece of the city, one can find the whole architectural history of Albania.

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.

At the core of the mosque’s design philosophy lies a nuanced understanding of spatial experience and human-Creator connection. Using geometry, an inexhaustible tool in Islamic art and architecture, the mosque’s most distinctive features - its facades, domes, and minarets - authentically come to life while responding to the strong context.

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.

The chosen materials have distinct characters and behaviours in relation to time, to move viewers to contemplate on permanence and transience. While the marble exterior won’t wear out, the copper dome will testify to the passing years growing more dignified with age. The wooden interior combined with ample natural light, continually changes its tone, and creates a warm atmosphere to inspire spiritual awakening.

Functionally, the mosque accommodates a sizable congregation of worshippers, approximately 1700 visitors can occupy all the mosque’s prayer areas at once. Together with the square in front of the mosque, this number reaches up to 4600 people.

In essence, the Ballie Mosque stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of architectural heritage in shaping collective identity. Through its synthesis of tradition and innovation, it invites contemplation on the evolving nature of religious spaces in contemporary society, challenging conventions and fostering dialogue across temporal and cultural boundaries.