Pecs

Description

Located on the slopes of the Mecsek mountains in the south-west of the country, is Hungary’s fifth largest city; Pécs. This beautiful university city located on Hungary’s border with Croatia, is also home to the famous Zsolnay ceramics and the largest Turkish ruins in Hungary. The oldest university in Hungary is also found here. Founded in 1367, The University of Pécs, was among Europe’s first universities. Pécs is a city filled with art and culture and is known for its many museums and galleries. It is also known for its stunning Turkish architecture, Mediterranean ambiance, World Heritage Site, friendly people, as well as its numerous churches and old buildings. Muslim visitors will not find it easy to located Halal-friendly facilities like Halal food and prayer areas in Pécs.

Pécs is home to numerous historical sites and attarctions. The first site that should be on every visitor’s itinerary is the Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kassim, built in 1580. Located in the main square, this former mosque is a great example of Pécs’s fascinating past. The mosque was built by the Ottoman Turks centuries ago, however after their retreat; this mosque was turned into a Catholic Church. The Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kassim is the largest remaining building from the Turkish period. Those visiting the former mosque will still be able to see the crescent moon and cross of Islam on the cupola. There is also a small, informative museum located here.

There is other mosque in the city, Djami of Jakovali Hassan, built by Yakovali Hassan. This is located at Kórház Square and is used by Pécs’s Muslim community for prayers. However, when the mosque is not in use by the Muslims in the city, it is open to visitors. There are also a couple of other attractions of Turkish architecture in Pécs; the ruins of Memi Pasa's Baths and Idris Baba Turban stone.

When in Pécs, tourists must scout out areas where the world-renowned Zsolnay Porcelain is available. Zsolnay decorations were also used on several buildings in Hungary, especially during the Art Nouveau movement. These are the best known products of Pécs, and pieces from before the war are said to be available in antique stores on Király and Ferences Street. Tourists can also find local arts and crafts in the main square and Belső Kert Galéria, as well as other art galleries and antique stores in the city.

Other must-visits include; the Mining Museum, Szénchenyi tér, the University Library, Káptalan Street, the ruins of Memi Pasha's bath and Király Street.

Nearby Airports

The closest international airport to Pécs is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, located in Budapest and is approximately 170 kilometres from the center of Pécs. Visitors can take an airport shuttle from the airport to the train station, and from there board a train to Pécs. Traveling by train is the most convenient way of traveling from Budapest to Pécs.

Halal Restaurants

There are no known certified Halal restaurants in Pécs. Muslim visitors will have to dine at local seafood or vegetarian restaurants after making sure the dishes served do not consist of any non-Halal items. They should be aware that restaurants in Pécs do serve alcohol. Muslim visitors can also make inquiries about finding Halal food in Pécs, at the local mosque.

Mosques

There are a few mosques in Pécs that serve its Muslim community. However, a number of these have been converted into churches. Djami of Jakovali Hassan; located outside the Szigeti gate, is known to conduct Jumu’ah prayers on Fridays. The mosque is used as a museum on the other days of the week. Muslim visitors will have to offer their other prayers in the privacy of their hotel room or to simply enquire with locals for a private area in the vicinity that can be used when traveling outdoors. The locals may also know of other small prayer rooms or prayer areas in Pécs.

Things to Do and See in Pécs

• Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kassim  
• City Hall  
• Király Street  
• Szénchenyi tér  
• Csontváry Museum  
• University Library  
• Mining Museum  
• Káptalan Street  
• The ruins of Memi Pasha's bath