Berat County - Religion and Culture

Religion and Culture

The main religions practiced in Berat County are Islam and Orthodox Christianity. The landscape of a mixture of minarets of mosques and grand Orthodox churches and chapels are a testament to the religious coexistence of Berat inhabitants. Berat was the seat of a Greek Orthodox Bishpric in medieval and modern times, and today Aromanian and even Greek speakers can be found in the city and some surrounding villages. Recently Berat was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list as an example of the co-existence of religions and cultures.

The landscape of a mixture of minarets of mosques and grand Orthodox churches and chapels are a testament to the religious coexistence of Berat inhabitants. The St. Mary of Blachernae Church in Berat dates to the 13th century, and contains 16th century mural paintings by Nikola, son of the Albania's most famous medieval painter, Onufri. The first inscription recording Onufri's name was found in 1951, in the Shelqan church. The Kastoria church dates to 23 July 1547 and a reference to Onufri's origin : I am Onufri, and come from the town of Berat. Onufri's style in painting was inherited by his son, Nikola (Nicholas), though not so successful as his father. Onufri's museum contains works of Onufri, his son, Nikola and other painters. There is also a number of icons and some fine examples of religious silversmith's work (sacred vessels, icon casings, covers of Gospel books, etc.). Berat Gospels, which date from the 4th century, are copies (the originals are preserved in the National Archives in Tirana). The church itself has a magnificent iconostasis of carved wood, with two very fine icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The bishop's throne and pulpit are also of considerable quality.

Near the street which descends from the fortress is the Bachelors' Mosque (Albanian: Xhami e Beqareve), built in 1827. It has an attractive portico and an interesting external decoration of flowers, plants, and houses. The King Mosque (Albanian: Xhamia e Mbretit), the oldest in the town built in the reign of Bayazid II (1481–1512), is notable for its fine ceiling. The Lead Mosque (Albanian: Xhamia e Plumbit), built in 1555 and so called from the covering of its cupola. This mosque is the centre of the town. The Halveti Teqe (Albanian: Teqeja e Helvetive), of 1790 has a porch and a carved and gilded ceiling. Near of tekke is purported to be the grave of Shabbatai Zevi, a Turkish Jew who had been banished to Dulcigno (present day Ulcinj) who created controversy among his followers upon his conversion to Islam.

Folk music culture exists in Berat County and the performers often wear traditional dress.