Batumi Central Mosque

Batumi Central Mosque – Orta Jame: Batumi‘s Historic Spiritual Heart

Overview

Located on Kutaisi Street in the heart of Batumi‘s Old Town, Batumi Central Mosque – also known as Orta Jame – stands as the city‘s only active mosque and one of its oldest buildings. Completed in 1886 during the Ottoman era, this beautiful 19th-century mosque was commissioned by the family of Muslim Georgian nobleman Aslan Beg Khimshiashvili. Orta Jame is a stunning example of late Ottoman provincial architecture, featuring a striking golden dome, a tall white minaret, and a richly painted interior adorned by local Laz brothers. Serving as a symbol of Batumi's multicultural heritage, the mosque remains open for daily prayers and welcomes visitors throughout the day to experience its peaceful atmosphere and historical significance.

Location & Contact

Historical Background

The Name "Orta Jame"

The name Orta Jame translates from Turkish as "the middle mosque". Historically, there were three mosques in Batumi's early neighborhoods: the Upper Mosque, the Middle Mosque (Orta Jame), and the Lower Mosque. While the other two mosques no longer exist or are no longer active, Orta Jame has survived as the sole functioning mosque in the city.

Construction & Patronage

The mosque was built in 1886 during Ottoman rule and was commissioned by Aslan Beg Khimshiashvili, a Muslim Georgian nobleman. The Khimshiashvili family played a significant role in the region's history and left this architectural legacy as their lasting contribution to Batumi's cultural landscape.

The Laz Brothers' Artistic Legacy

The interior walls of the mosque were painted by Laz brothers, local craftsmen who applied their artistic skills to create the mosque's distinctive decorative program. Their work incorporates regional artistic elements into the mosque's Islamic design, making the interior uniquely Georgian-Ottoman in character.

Soviet Era & Restoration

Like many religious buildings in the region, the mosque was not spared during the Soviet period. It functioned as a house of prayer until 1935, when it was seized by authorities and turned into a military depot. After the end of World War II, in 1946, the mosque was returned to its original function as a place of worship.

Architecture

Exterior Features

The mosque is immediately recognizable by its striking exterior:

• Golden dome – A large, gilded dome in the center of the building, catching sunlight and drawing attention from a distance
• Tall white minaret – A single, elegant minaret in the corner of the rectangular building
• Rectangular floor plan – A large building with a traditional layout
• White plastered exterior – Clean, bright facade painted in white
• Two-tiered windows – Rectangular windows on longitudinal facades, framed by profiled trims and crowned with flat "pediments". Rectangular windows are replaced by circular ones on some facades, above which are depicted lying crescents
• Richly decorated east entrance – The main entrance is flanked by pilasters supporting a tall, helmet-shaped arch, with a round window cut in the arch tympanum

Interior Features

Inside, visitors will find:

• Unified interior space – Despite the two-tiered external window arrangement, the interior space is open and united
• Wooden gable roof – Supported by four free-standing round pillars
• Wooden dome structure – A dome constructed with wooden poles rises at the top of the middle section
• Colorful decorative paintings – The ceiling, dome, and railings of the cathedra (minbar) are richly decorated with colorful ornamental paintings
• Intricate wooden carvings – Ornate carved wooden decorations on doors and windows

Prayer Times & Schedule

As an active mosque, Batumi Central Mosque holds five daily prayers. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer times.

💡 The mosque is busiest on Fridays for Jumaa (Friday) prayers, which typically take place around 1:00 PM. If you wish to pray at the mosque, visit during these times. If you simply wish to observe the architecture as a tourist, it is recommended to visit outside of prayer hours, especially outside of Friday noon.

Commercial Area & Community Services

Adjacent to the mosque building, there is a commercial space that helps support the mosque's operational costs. The income from sub-letting this space is used to cover administrative expenses and to keep the mosque fully functional. The commercial area includes:

• Currency exchange booth
• Translation bureau
• Religious items store (prayer accessories)
• Tea house
• Confectionery (sweet shop)

This arrangement is unique in Georgia – no other mosque in the country has commercial spaces attached. The income helps ensure the mosque remains self-sustaining without external funding.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

The mosque is open to visitors throughout the day, with prayer times marking the main activities. It is recommended to visit between prayer times to observe the interior without disturbing worshippers.

Dress Code & Etiquette

💡 Important: As an active place of worship, visitors are expected to show respect by adhering to proper etiquette:

• Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall
• Dress modestly – Cover shoulders and knees
• Men – Wear long trousers (shorts are not appropriate)
• Women – Cover head with a scarf (recommended but not always strictly enforced for tourists)
• Avoid visiting during active prayers unless you intend to participate
• Stay quiet and respectful inside the prayer hall
• Photography – Generally permitted, but avoid photographing people praying without permission

Facilities

• Separate section for ladies for prayer
• Wudu (ablution) facilities – Available for worshippers
• Clean environment – Frequently praised by visitors

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning – Quiet, peaceful atmosphere before the city wakes up
• Late afternoon – Beautiful light on the golden dome
• Avoid Friday 1:00 PM – Very crowded with Jumaa prayer attendees
• Avoid early morning if sensitive to noise – The Fajr prayer call can be loud for those staying nearby

What to Know

• Tourist-friendly – Non-Muslim visitors are welcome to explore
• Free entry – No admission fee
• Walking distance – Close to Batumi Cable Car, Batumi Beach, and many halal restaurants
• Limited parking – Street parking available, but can be crowded
• No official social media – The mosque does not have an online presence or official contact number

Tips for Muslims Visiting

• The mosque is fully functional and hosts all five daily prayers
• Friday Jumaa prayer is held around 1:00 PM
• Clean facilities available for wudu
• Friendly imam and community members

Tips for Non-Muslim Visitors

• You are welcome to enter and observe, but please be respectful
• Avoid visiting during active prayer times unless you intend to participate
• The mosque is one of Batumi's key historical sights – plan a 15-30 minute visit

Guest Reviews & Highlights

Positive Highlights

What Reviewers Say

"The Batumi Central Mosque, also known as Orta Jame, is a significant historical and architectural landmark in Batumi, Georgia. Completed in 1886 during the Ottoman era, it exemplifies late Ottoman provincial architecture with its elegant minarets and intricate oriental ornaments." – Wanderlog review

"It is very clean and beautiful and the inside is very colorful. It's worth to visit." – Visitor review

"Batumi Central Masjid, also known as Orta Jame, is a peaceful and beautiful mosque with old Turkish-style architecture." – Visitor review

Considerations for Light Sleepers

⚠️ Some reviewers mention the loud morning prayers (Fajr) early in the morning as a potential downside for non-Muslims staying at nearby accommodations. If you are sensitive to noise, consider bringing earplugs if you stay in the vicinity.

Why You Should Visit

Whether you are:

• A Muslim traveler seeking a clean, active mosque for prayers in Batumi
• A history enthusiast interested in 19th-century Ottoman architecture
• A culture lover wanting to experience Batumi's multicultural heritage
• A tourist looking for a peaceful, beautiful place to visit near Batumi's Old Town
• A photographer drawn to the golden dome, white minaret, and colorful interior

Batumi Central Mosque (Orta Jame) offers a unique blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and spiritual peace in the heart of Batumi.

Getting There

Batumi Central Mosque is located at 34 Kutaisi Street in Batumi's Old Town. It is easily accessible:

• From Batumi Cable Car – A short walking distance
• From Batumi Beach – Approximately 10-15 minutes walk
• From Europe Square – Approximately 10 minutes walk
• By public transport – Multiple bus routes stop near Kutaisi Street
• By taxi – Any taxi driver in Batumi will know "Orta Jame" or "Batumi Mosque"

The mosque is situated in the historic center, making it a convenient stop while exploring Batumi's Old Town and its surrounding attractions, including halal restaurants and the waterfront boulevard.