Ballie Mosque

Commonsense Studio - Elbasan, Albania - 2023

Key words: Community, Copper, DOME, Elbasan, Geometry, Heritage, Light, Ottoman, Spirituality

MOSQUE INTERIOR - Photography: © Besart Cani

Constructed on the site of the historical Balizade Mosque, which was destroyed during Albania’s communist era, the Ballie Mosque stands as a spiritual beacon of hope and solidarity in the heart of Elbasan.

Through Islamically inspired geometry, light, and proportion, the mosque embraces traditional and contemporary qualities within its design. Light transcends from the subtle openings in the roof, the warm timber interior echoes Islamic form, Quranic verses are inscribed into the wall to enhance holiness.

Beyond architecture, the mosque acts as a communal anchor, a place of gathering, congregation, and resilience.