Ishak Çelebi Mosque


The Ishak Çelebi Mosque is the largest mosque in Bitola, North Macedonia. It is situated along the north bank of the Dragor River. This area was known as Bit-Pazar in the quarter of Emir Bey or Eyne Bey, also known as Ishak Çelebi mahalle.

History

Popularly known as Ishakkiye, this mosque was named after its founder, Judge Ishak Çelebi, son of Isa Fakıh and was built in 1506. The marble plaque and the inscription is written in eight verses divided in eight equal fields. The date is given as a chronogram and is written in Nesih:
Help in the name of Allah, the Merciful,
the Compassionate
the old house was beautified by the chronogram
His noble Ishak ibn Isa, may his happiness last,
May His honor increase in Paradise
He built the mosque, fortunately for us.
By that he acquired the Omniscient’s mercy.
Afterwards, inspired, he dictated a chronogram:
He arrived in the name of Allah, the Merciful, the compassionate