In the old part of #Tetovo, on the right bank of the river #Pena, rises a beautiful #mosque. The locals call it Šarena Džamija, meaning #Painted Mosque. It was originally built in 1495. Most of the mosques of that time were financed by sultans, beys or pashas. However, the donors of the Painted Mosque were two sisters – Hurshida and Mensure. They were buried in the eight-sided #mausoleum in the yard of the mosque. The mausoleum is still standing in front of the temple, surrounded by many flowers and a fountain. In 1833, the mosque was renovated and expanded by Abdurahman Pasha. The distinguishing feature of the mosque is its painted #decorations. Abdurrahman Pasha commissioned masters from #Debar to paint the #ornamentation with oil paints. In addition to the geometric and floral ornamentation, there are also images of landscapes. Among the bright-coloured decorations, especially attractive is the depiction of #Mecca, a rare example of the #illustration of the shrine of the #Islamic prophet, Muhammad. Another major difference between the Šarena Džamija and other #Ottoman mosques is that it does not have a distinctive exterior dome, typical for the early Constantinople Ottoman architecture.

The Painted Mosque is unique example of the Muslim temples and we include it in almost every trip in North Macedonia. Entering the mosque without local guide could be a little tricky since it is usually closed. However, we work with experienced local guides who make sure it is opened for our groups. We would love to take you there!

​Source: Wikipedia.org

In December 2019 the second biggest monastery in #Bulgaria entered new renovation phase. During the last few years, the #Bachkovo #monastery went through numerous #restoration and #repair works.

Nowadays, the unique #frescoes in the oldest monastery #church - Holy Archangels, are restored and beautifully displayed. During the restoration process, some more #ancient frescoes were revealed. The official reception hall is now ready, and all guests and pilgrims of the monastery are welcomed in a fascinating church hall. In addition, the monastery #refectory is also painted with beautiful frescoes in the style of the ones at Mount #Athos. Currently, two multimedia halls are being prepared for a permanent screening of films about the monastery and the #Orthodox faith.

The images at the monastery’s #interior are made by the famous Bulgarian icon #painter Zahariy Zograf from 1838 to 1841. In the #cathedral, there is an #icon from 1311 known as The #Holy #Mother of God Icon, with a silver repousse cover. This icon is believed to have miraculous powers.
Visitors to monastery may also view other icons, silver repousse covers for copies of the Gospels, and other works of art from 16th - 19th centuries. #Treasures from the 17th century include a carved wooden icon stand with #gold ornamentation and the cathedrals royal doors. The Bulgarian #Exarch Stefan I (1878-1957) is buried at the monastery, as is the Bulgarian #Patriarch Kiril (1901-1971). There is a #museum on the grounds where some of the oldest artefacts connected with the history of the monastery are on display.
A favourite gathering place for pilgrims and visitors is the monastery’s #courtyard, with its impressive trees, such as a #Paradise apple tree and a #Chinese fir. The monastery is still functioning, and the #monks offer overnight #accommodations.

Sources:
https://www.marica.bg/
https://bulgariatravel.org

Today is a special day for the Bulgarian #teachers, #students and #education. The school year begins on September 15 both in #Bulgaria and in about a dozen other #European countries.
The education of the Bulgarian people became a priority during the National #Revival Period. Initially, in the so-called “mutual schools” the students were taught by the mutual method, i.e. the older and more advanced students taught the younger ones. The teacher taught the older ones and monitored the education of the younger ones. One teacher was responsible for more than 50 children. In 1843 the first “class school” was established in the town of #Elena. In the “class school”, the children were divided into classes according to their age. One teacher was now responsible for a class of up to 30 students. The children studied disciplines such as general Bulgarian history, Bulgarian grammar, arithmetic, anthropology and others.
In the photos you can see the #first #Bulgarian “class school” in the town of Elena, which today functions as a museum. Elena is located close to the ancient capital of the Bulgarian #Kingdom #Veliko #Tarnovo and it has been a trade and cultural centre for centuries. The town and the people of Elena played an important role during the Bulgarian Revival Period. Today, the picturesque town preserves about 150 cultural monuments, over 6000 ethnographic objects, many old books which enforced the Bulgarian education.
 
Sources:
http://bg.wikipedia.org/
https://dariknews.bg/
https://uchiteli.bg/
http://visit.elena.bg/