216-old “Zindzhirli” mosque in the town of Omurtag – before and after the damages caused by the stormy wind

Two functioning mosques with a century-old history were damaged by a stormy wind in Northern Bulgaria in the beginning of this week. One of them is the Muslim temple in the village of Mokresh, Veliki Preslav region, and the other is “Zikindzhi” mosque in the town of Omurtag. In both mosques there are serious material damages and currently are inaccessible and are closed for acts of worship, commented from the regional mufti’s offices in Shumen and Targovishte.

The century-old mosque in the village of Mokresh (Municipality of Veliki Preslav)

The strong wind caused the collapse of the minarets of the two mosques, which caused many other destructions and the need of major repair works in order to make the temples again accessible for visits from the believers.

According to Mesut Mehmedov, Regional Mufti of Shumen, the minaret of the mosque in the village of Mokresh collapsed on the roof structure and led to its entire destruction, though only few years ago a complete repair of the roof was made.

Both Muslim temples were visited by expert commissions to determine the damages. Urgently are raised funds for the implementation of the repair works so that the mosques can be restored and made accessible again for performing the daily Muslim acts of worship and the Friday services.

Author: L. Chausheva