A rare historical document reveals plans for building the Upper Mosque in Labunishta in 1794. The document was written by the local mufti and addressed to the Regional Mufti His Excellency in Istanbul, requesting advice and permission for the construction.

In the message, the local mufti explains that the believers in Labunishta do not have a mosque, which significantly impacts their spiritual life. He expresses gratitude to the donor Mehmed Alia, who voluntarily offered halal financial resources for building the mosque and the minbar.

Order from the Regional Mufti

Upon receiving the message, the Regional Mufti issued an order for the construction of a mosque funded by Mehmed Alia, including a minbar as part of the mosque. The order specified that services should be led by an Imam from the Hanafi school of Islam, and religious teachers (Hatibs) should lead worship of Allah and hold prayers every Friday. It also emphasized the importance of celebrating the two main Islamic holidays – Kurban Bayram and Ramazan Bayram.

Historical Significance and Context

The document dates from the middle of the month of Rajab, year 1208 AH, corresponding to the period between February 12 and 21, 1794. It was written in Istanbul, showing the importance of communication between local and regional religious leaders in the Ottoman Empire.

This mosque, built in 1794, is the oldest religious building in Labunishta. Although the village also has other religious buildings such as:

Church of St. Nicholas – the main village church dating from the 19th century.

The Mehmed Alia Mosque holds the status as the oldest temple in Labunishta, preceding and outweighing all other religious buildings, leaving a deep mark in the history of the place.

This rare historical document not only testifies to the construction of the Upper Mosque in Labunishta in 1794 but also reflects the harmony in which Muslims and Christians lived in this place. Labunishta, as a multi-ethnic community, was home to people of different faiths who jointly built their future. The presence of the Mehmed Alia Mosque and the Church of St. Nicholas is evidence of this long history of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Uninterrupted Heritage

This document reveals not only religious and cultural aspects of life in Labunishta in the 18th century but also highlights the role of donors in building religious buildings. Mehmed Alia is portrayed as a figure who supports the community through his generosity, thus contributing to the spiritual development of the population.

Original Document (Tugra)

Written message from the Local Mufti to the Regional Mufti His Excellency

"In the village of Labunishta and surrounding villages, we do not have a mosque, although there is a great need for one. Our believers have no place to gather and direct their prayers to deepen their spiritual life. We thank Allah for the donor named Mehmed Alia, who himself offered halal financial resources for the construction of the mosque and minbar."

Order from the Regional Mufti

"Based on the above, if all this is true, my order is for a mosque to be built from the financial resources of Mehmed Alia, as well as a minbar as part of the mosque.

Once the mosque is built, services are to be led by an Imam from the Hanafi direction of Islam, and religious teachers should be Hatibs as I command you. They should worship Allah and pray every Friday, and also celebrate the two Bayrams (Kurban Bayram and Ramazan Bayram)."

"Please carry out my orders and may Allah be with you."

Written in the middle of the month of Rajab, year 1208 AH or between February 12 and 21, 1794, in Istanbul.*