Batumi Mosque, known as Orta Jame, stands proudly on Kutaisi Street, representing one of the oldest structures in the city and serving as a symbol of Batumi's diverse cultural heritage. Built during Ottoman rule in 1866, this mosque showcases the late Ottoman architectural style and is adorned with exquisite oriental ornaments, skillfully painted by an unknown master.
The name "Orta Jame" derives from its location between Ahmed Jame and Azizia Jame, signifying its central position. Previously, a wooden mosque called "Ahmediye" was constructed on this site by Ahmed Pasha Khimshiashvili, only to be tragically consumed by fire. The current two-story rectangular building replaced it, featuring a prominent minaret in the corner and a gilded dome at its center. The interior of the mosque boasts intricately hand-painted elements, including the ceiling, dome, temple railings, and the minaret, while the exterior exudes a pristine white appearance.
The building's rectangular windows exhibit decorative profiled edges and flat gables, later replaced by round windows embellished with crescent motifs. The eastern entrance of the mosque is framed by pilasters crowned with a helmet-shaped arch, adding a touch of grandeur to the entranceway.
Though interrupted during the Soviet era when it served as a military warehouse, mosque services resumed in 1946, allowing Muslims in Batumi to gather and celebrate important Islamic holidays such as Qurban Bayram.
The Batumi Mosque, Orta Jame, holds a significant place within the urban landscape of Adjara's Batumi. Its golden dome and towering white minaret captivate from afar, contributing to the multicultural ambiance of the city. With its rectangular layout, high minaret, and grand gilded dome, the mosque showcases the late Ottoman provincial architectural style. The exterior of the building is characterized by white plaster, while rectangular windows adorned with profiled trims and flat "pediments" accentuate the facades. Circular windows, embellished with crescents, replace the rectangular ones on the longitudinal facades. The richly decorated east entrance stands out with pilasters supporting a tall, helmet-shaped arch, featuring a round window in the arch tympanum. While the facade windows are arranged in two tiers, the interior space remains unified. The wooden gable roof is supported by four free-standing round pillars, culminating in a dome with wooden poles. The cathedral's ceiling, dome, and railings showcase vibrant decorative paintings, adding color and charm to the interior.
As you explore Batumi, make sure to visit the historic Batumi Mosque, Orta Jame, a testament to the city's cultural diversity and architectural splendor.
