BUYUK MOSQUE Sofia Bulgaria

INTEGRATED REHABILITATION PROJECT PLAN / SURVEY OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE (IRPP/SAAH)

Regional Programme for Cultural and Natural Heritage in South East Europe 2003 - 2006

PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE IN SOUTH EAST EUROPE

Document adopted by The Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria on 3rd July 2006

BUYUK MOSQUE Sofia Bulgaria

FOREWORD

In the framework of the European Commission/Council of Europe Joint Programme on the Integrated Rehabilitation Project Plan /Survey of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage (IRPP/SAAH), the present Preliminary Technical Assessment (PTA) was prepared by local experts: Vasil Nikolov, Dochka Aladjova, Hrabrina Tabakova, Angel Stoyanov headed by IRPP/SAAH Project Co-ordinator Dolya Yordanova, in co-operation with the PTA expert group: Leader Dr. John Bold (United Kingdom); Experts: Ms. Emma Carmichael (United Kingdom), Mr. Giorgio Gianighian (Italy), Mr. Andreas Heymowski (Sweden), Mr. David Johnson (United Kingdom), Mr. Pedro Ponce de Leon (Spain), Mr. Alkis Prepis (Greece). The Preliminary Technical Assessment (PTA) was adopted by the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria on 3rd July 2006.

Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe

1.

Introductory page

Site Map 1.1 Country or Territory: 1.2 Name of organisation compiling the information: 1.3 Contact name: 1.4 Email address: 1.5 Name and address of building or site:

Buyuk mosque Sofia Republic of Bulgaria Archaeological Institute and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Vassil Nikolov Director of the Archaeological Institute and Museum aim-bas@techno-link.com Buyuk Mosque (Building of the Archaeological Institute and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia) 2, Saborna Str. Official Gazette No. 69 /1927 Official Gazette No. 73/1955 Listed Architectural monument Declarative Letter No. 2637/07.06.1988 /National Institute for the Monuments of Culture/: Updated List of individual architectural, archaeological and artistic monuments of culture in Sofia Architectural site Second half of the 15th century AD Permanent Exhibition of the Archaeological Museum in Sofia

1.6 Inventory reference number(s):

1.7 Building/Monument/Site type: 1.8 Main dates: 1.9 Current use(s):

2.

Executive Summary: the site and its management The complex of the Archaeological Institute and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is located in the very centre of Sofia. It comprises two parts: the old mosque building (Buyuk Mosque) which holds the permanent exhibition of the National Archaeological Museum and the administrative part of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The Buyuk Mosque or Shehid Mehmed Pasha Jami is the biggest Islamic building in Sofia, transformed into a depository for archaeological finds and antiques from Bulgarian lands. The premises and collections, enriched over the 110 year history of the Archaeological Museum, currently attract many visitors to the city centre. The museum was opened to visitors with its first exhibition on 18 May 1905. The museum building was recently reopened after extensive renovation work, but it is necessary to finish the general rehabilitation of the internal and external areas started in 2004.

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyuk Mosque Sofia Bulgaria 3 July 2006

Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe

Thanks to the restoration measures undertaken over the last few years, the condition of the building of the Archaeological Museum (Buyuk Mosque) has improved to such an extent that although further works are needed, the building no longer needs to be included on Bulgarias Prioritised Intervention List (PIL). The site is managed by the Archaeological Institute in Sofia. 3. Administrative information 3.1 Responsible Authorities The State holds overall responsibility for the architectural site and has entrusted its stewardship to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The regulatory bodies are the National Institute for Cultural Monuments and the Ministry of Culture. The acting manager of the building is the Archaeological Museum in Sofia. 3.2 Building/Site, Name and Address Name: Buyuk Mosque or Shehid Mehmed Pasha Jami (Building of the Archaeological Institute and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences) Address: 2, Suborna Str., Sofia 1000 3.3 Map reference According to Google Earth software 420 41 47 N 230 19 78 E 3.4 Type of monument Architectural site, comprising museum and administrative building, and outdoor museum exhibition area. 3.5 Ownership The monument is State property. 3.6 Statutory Protection/Constraints The Buyuk Mosque building was granted Monument of Culture status in Official Gazette No. 69 /1927 and No. 73/1955. Listed Monument of Culture with Declarative Letter No.2637/07.06.1988 of the National Institute for the Monuments of Culture: Updated List of Individual Architectural, Archaeological and Artistic Monuments of Culture in Sofia. No conservation/restoration works or intervention may be carried out without the permission of the National Institute for Cultural Monuments (within the Ministry of Culture). The site is equipped with electronic security system with video monitoring. 4. Summary of condition 4.1 Summary of Physical Condition Fair Structurally sound but in need of minor repair and maintenance.

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyuk Mosque Sofia Bulgaria 3 July 2006

Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe

4.2 Condition Risk Assessment - graded A-H The Building ranks in category F (Repair scheme in progress and end use and user identified). 4.3 Priority for intervention - High/Medium/Low Museum and administrative building Medium External museum exhibition area High 5. Existing information 5.1 Documentary sources Architectural measurement, design for structural strengthening, photographic records, etc. are available at the Archaeological Institute and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences 5.2 Bibliography Archives of the National Institute for Monuments of Culture Archives of the Archaeological Institute and Museum in Sofia Publications in specialised media: Archaeologia magazine, Sofia,1959; Yearbook of the Archaeological museum, Sofia,1919-1943; News of the Archaeological Institute, Sofia,1950; News of the Bulgarian Archaeological Society, Sofia 1910-1920; News of the Bulgarian Archaeological Institute, Sofia,1921-1950; News of the Bulgarian Museums, Sofia,1971; Museum and Monuments of Culture, Sofia,1963 Books: - Ovcharov, D: Fifteen treasures from Bulgarian lands, edition Bulgarian bestseller ( ; . ). - Sotirov, Ivan: The Valchi tran golden treasure, edition Borina ( ; , , . ). Internet References No official Internet site; Internet information about the museum and its building could be found in: www.sofia.bg official site of Sofia Municipality www.edu.dir.bg Bulgarian information portal www.info.bg Bulgarian information portal www.encyclopedia.bg Bulgarian online encyclopedia Automatic information system Archaeological Map of Bulgaria

5.3 Fieldwork already conducted 1993 general rehabilitation (security, electrical, heating installations) 1993-1995 installed exhibition panels, technical assistance provided by experts from the Restoration School in Venice, Italy 2003 general rehabilitation of the interior, the timber ceiling construction renewed and finished with plaster 2004-2005 general repair and replacement of rain/water spouts and gutters. 2005: partial repair of the lead roof covering; partial reorganisation of the exhibition (mosque) and the administrative building; cleaning of the stone revetment of the

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyuk Mosque Sofia Bulgaria 3 July 2006

Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe

facades; scraping and varnishing of the timber floor in the central exhibition hall; renewal of the power installation 5.4 Projects in progress 2006 rehabilitation of the heating system; general re-painting; replacement of the woodwork (windows and doors). 5.5 Projects already planned Planned reorganisation and transformation of the open area adjacent to the building, now used as a storage place for architectural elements. It could be turned into an outdoor exhibition area (under a roof spanning between the National Bank building and the mosque). 5.6 Financial estimates already made Not available 6. Scope of the PTA 6.1 Extent/Nature of the assessment People involved in preparation of the PTA: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Mr Vasil Nikolov, Archaeologist, Director of the Archaeological Institute and Museum Ms Dochka Aladjova, Archaeologist, Archaeological Institute and Museum Ms Hrabrina Tabakova, Bachelor of Ethnology Angel Stoyanov, Bachelor of Tourism Ms Dolya Yordanova, Architect, Ministry of Culture Mr Andreas Heymowski, Architect, Council of Europe Expert, Sweden

6.2 Limitations of the study Documentation stored in different places; Not systemised project documentation in the archives of the National Institute for Cultural Monuments

7.

The PTA 7.1 Background: Form, Function and Evolution 7.1.1 Summary description of the building/site, with comments on its urban or rural context. Housed in the 15th-century Buyuk Mosque (Big Mosque), the National Archaeological Museum is worth visiting just for the building itself. The adjacent National Bank building and the two administrative museum wings, erected several centuries later, form a unified and harmonious complex in the very centre of Sofia. The mosque is a large building with solid walls. The size of its square foundation is 36 metres by 30 metres. The square hall is covered by nine domes, supported by four solid pillars. It is exciting to enter through the overarched stone entrance, closed with an old wood-carved door, on which religious words are inscribed. The building adapted for the needs of the museum, is now infused with new life.

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyuk Mosque Sofia Bulgaria 3 July 2006

Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe

A gallery (2.80 metres wide), supported by fine metal columns, encircles the entire inner premises. The two new wings (1935) north-east and south-west complete the ensemble and enrich the structure with new spatial features arcades, below which are placed stone monuments and two halls. The ground level of the southwestern part houses a fashionable Art Club Museum caf behind the main building. Some of the larger Roman marbles are exhibited in the courtyard. Museum exhibits are also displayed in the area in front of the building. 7.1.2 Summary historic development and evolution of the building or site The Buyuk Mosque construction began under the reign of Sultan Mehmed II (the conqueror of Constantinople, 1451-1481) upon the foundations of an antique building, a traditional practice in this period. It was completed in 1474 and consecrated in 1494. During the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1879) the mosque was converted into a hospital. After that it was adapted for a kitabhane (books depository), which became a National Library with the establishment of the Bulgarian State. In parallel with the library, after 1890, the Czech scientist Konstantin Irechek established the museum in the building. The National Museum was founded in 1892. The Archaeological Institute was founded in 1921. Both entered the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in 1949. The Buyuk Mosque was transformed into a depository for the archaeological finds discovered in the Bulgarian territory. The Archaeological Museum keeps alive one of the most prestigious cultural sites of Sofia. Since 1905 the museum has functioned as the biggest Archaeological Museum in Bulgaria. After 1990, the museum was closed for more than 10 years. During the last two years (2004-2006) important rehabilitation, reconstruction and repair works were implemented and in 2005 the museum celebrated its centenary with the opening of a series of new halls. The Buyuk Mosque is an architectural monument of outstanding national significance representing the first period of Turkish constructions in Bulgaria, strongly influenced by Byzantine structural art. The plan is similar to the composition of the mosques built in Brusa during the reign of Murad II and especially the Ullu mosque (1430). The National Archaeological Museum is the oldest museum in Bulgaria preserving more than 55,000 monuments from Thracian, Greek and Roman settlements and 1,300,000 coins. With its restoring rooms for art, pottery, metal and stone the Museum is classified as one of the largest in Europe. 7.2 Significance 7.2.1 Summary statement of significance/historical and heritage importance Checklist of categories which may be considered in the evaluation 7.2.2 Historical High 7.2.3 High Artistic/Aesthetic

7.2.4 Technological not applicable 7.2.5 Religious/Spiritual not applicable

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyuk Mosque Sofia Bulgaria 3 July 2006

Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe

7.2.6 High 7.2.7 High 7.2.8 High

Symbolic/Identity Scientific/Research Social/Civic

7.2.9 Natural not applicable 7.2.10 Economic Medium 7.2.11 Category of significance National 7.3 Vulnerability/Risk assessment After 1989, the State budget financing the museum was largely diminished, which resulted in huge maintenance problems. Before 2004, there was a high risk of humidity penetrating to the internal exposition areas due to the poor condition of the roof covering of the domes. Electrical, water and sewage installation, timber flooring, woodwork, etc. were in urgent need of rehabilitation. After a series of repair and restoration works the technical situation was improved, and nowadays the building no longer requires emergency intervention. 7.4 Technical condition / 7.5 Summary of required repairs Despite the recently implemented restoration and rehabilitation works and the general improvement of the sites technical condition, additional repairs are needed: Internal installations: rehabilitation; Faades: replacement of the woodwork (windows); Ventilation and air-condition system in the exhibition hall: rehabilitation; Interior: replacement of the woodwork (doors); The low renovation quality of the (lead) covering of the domes leads to water condensation on the ceilings. This work should be repeated.

7.6 Conservation policy 7.6.1 Broad summary of the vision for the site and its sustainability. The opened parts and open area around the museum building with exposed stone exhibits could be rearranged in an outdoor exhibition area. The improved preservation and maintenance of the building will enhance the quality of the museums functions and will increase opportunities for the diversification of activities and self-sustainability of the institution. 7.6.2 Conservation philosophy / 7.6.3 Level of intervention All the periodic restoration and repair works, as well as the regular maintenance, should respect as far as possible the preservation of the original monument, in

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyuk Mosque Sofia Bulgaria 3 July 2006

Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe

accordance with the technical requirements of defined local and international practices. The present projects purpose is to preserve the authenticity of the site after the renewed presentation of the external area. 7.6.5 Preliminary proposals for appropriate uses / 7.6.6 Opportunities for social uses and sustainable development The opened area beside the museum building, now used as a storage place for stone exhibits, could be turned into an outdoor exhibition area (under a roof spanning between the National Bank building and the mosque). The internal exhibition space could be enriched with additional demonstration functions: various performances and cultural events; The establishment of a museum shop could provide additional income; Easy access for handicapped people to be organised; Possibility for evening visits to the Museum, which will increase its popularity; Integration of Museum activities with other fields, such as tourism and education; The successful implementation of the project will: ensure improved site preservation: expand the opportunities for self-sustainability; create new jobs and improve museum activities

7.6.7 Broad assessment of priorities for consolidation/covering, repair, conservation, restoration, rehabilitation Rehabilitation of the roof of the northern part of the museum, whose bearing structure has not been repaired since the end of the 19th century; Rehabilitation of the roof of the southern part of the museum; Additional repair works on the domes of the museum building (the mosque); Rehabilitation of the depository premises for stone monuments equipped with the relevant lifting facilities; Rehabilitation of the depository premises for antique and representative monuments; Reconstruction of sanitary premises for handicapped people; Conservation and restoration of exhibited stone monuments in the outdoor area.

7.6.8 Public access - wholly; potential community benefit / 7.6.9 Other benefits It is necessary to create good conditions for access for handicapped people to the building; Paid parking in the vicinity of the Museum is a pre-requisite for increasing the flow of visitors; The central situation of the Museum facilitates access, through good communications and infrastructure; The presence of a caf with museum exhibits generates additional income; The Museum library is also easily accessible.

7.7 Finance 7.7.1 Broad assessment of budgetary needs and phasing Elaboration of a project for the external area planning Implementation of the project for the external area planning 5,000 Euros 60 000 Euros

7.7.2 Assessment of possibilities for attracting investments, if known. Income from tourist companies (Bulgarian and foreign) Attracting investments from interested businessmen

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyuk Mosque Sofia Bulgaria 3 July 2006

Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe

Survey of the opportunities for integration with different fields: economics, advertising, financing from NGOs programmes, donations and international partnerships

7.7.3 Assessment of possibilities for recovering investments, if known. Unknown 7.7.4 Have you already tried to raise funds for this site or monument? The Museum is applying for funding for the external area planning with the Italian Foreign Ministry and the municipality of Siena, Italy, as intermediary. No results yet. 7.7.5 Have you already received funds for this site or monument? Donation of equipment, offered by Bulgarians living abroad glass cases, with parameters equivalent to international standards. The Museum receives fees from owners for storing private collections; Refurbishment of the faades implemented in the frame of the Beautiful Bulgaria project. This project is executed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and is funded in three phases since 1997 up to date by the European Union (EU), the Bulgarian Government, the participating municipalities and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

7.8 Management The management of the project will be undertaken by the Archaeological Institute and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and overseen by the National Institute for Monuments of Culture. 8. Documentation The PTA is supported by: - photographs, - scanned drawings - location map - aerial photo 9. Feasibility Studies Levels and phasing of intervention must be specified Financial assessment of all future interventions, involving architects, civil engineers, and restorers

PTA carried out by: Dochka Aladjova, Archaeologist, Archaeological Institute and Museum Dolya Yordanova, Architect, Ministry of Culture Andreas Heymowski, Architect, Council of Europe Expert, Sweden Date:

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyuk Mosque Sofia Bulgaria 3 July 2006

Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe

APPENDIX A DRAWINGS

Ground plan of the Exhibition Hall (Prayer Hall) and the adjacent buildings

Building situation

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyuk Mosque Sofia Bulgaria 3 July 2006

Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe

10

APPENDIX B PHOTOS

General view with the National Bulgarian Bank

View from the south-west

Main entrance of the Archaeological Museum

Central exhibition hall of the Archaeological Museum

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyuk Mosque Sofia Bulgaria 3 July 2006