Regional Mufti Office Claims Ownership of Bulgaria's Eski Djamia

The Regional Mufti Office of Haskovo has claimed ownership of the Old Mosque (Eski Djamia) in the southeastern city of Stara Zagora.

The Mufti Office has backed its claim with title deeds dating back to the beginning of the last century and has challenged in court the state property deed issued 3 years ago by the municipal administration in Stara Zagora.

The civil lawsuit was initially brought before the Stara Zagora Regional Court but was subsequently referred to the Stara Zagora District Court due to the high value of the claim.

Under a conservation and restoration project funded under the Regional Development Operational Program, the Eski Djamia was converted into a Museum of Religions in 130 days.

The project had a price tag of BGN 2.4 M and the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on September 16, 2011.

The state was expected to transfer ownership of the site to the Stara Zagora Municipality anytime soon.

However, the transaction was delayed due to defects in the repair work that had to be urgently removed by the contractor.

In the course of the trial, an expert witness report will most likely be required to determine the authenticity of the document presented by the Regional Mufti Office.

Eski Djamia has been ranked as a 'monument of national interest' since 1972.

It was built in the 15th century on a sacred place occupied previously by a Thracian sanctuary.

The mosque is the only building in Stara Zagora to survive the Russian-Turkish Liberation War.

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