Samokov is а city in which threads of Jews, Bulgarians, Turks, Americans, Gypsys and Karakachans are interwined. Each ethnic community has left its mark on this little land to create today’s rich cultural heritage for centuries. While remaining “single” Yokusha Mosque, keeps the memories of the glorious past times. Today the mosque is known as Bairakli Mosque or Main Mosque. Although the only one remaining of 12 (4 large and 8 small mosques) existing during the ХVІІІ-ХІХ centuries, it impresses with its typical Samokov “perya” – garlands, bouquets in vases, draped fabrics and shells influenced from the Western Baroque and Rococo. It was probably built by order of the local ruler Mehmed Hyusref Pasha. The names of the three builders – Ivan, Risto and Costa /Ivan Ikonopisets, Hristo Yovevich and Costa Valyov/ were found during reconstruction under the murals along with the plan of a church similar to the one in Rila Monastery. The three names implicitly suggest that the most likely mosque creators are Bulgarian masters. The murals themselves have proven to be made by masters from Samokov. A part of the lavish paintings were removed immediately after their creation, but the restorers were able to retrieve them. Beautiful murals cover the facade of Bayrakli Mosque. Exclusive decorative designs and high brick minaret with a spiral decoration are preserved.
