Largest Ottoman Monument in Croatia Reopens

(photo credit: dalma tourist centre)

After several years of reconstruction, the largest monument built during Ottoman Empire architecture in Croatia has reopened…

Ottoman admiral Jusuf Mašković, who was renowned for conquering Chania in western Crete in only 54 days in 1645 during the Cretan War, built a large Han, or Turkish inn, in his native town of Vrana near Pakoštane on the Dalmatian coast in 1644. The Han was the biggest monument of its time. After a lengthy period of reconstruction, the Han has again opened its doors this weekend in Croatia.

A Han is similar to a road-side inn where travellers could stop over to catch some rest after a day travelling. Mašković was born in Vrana and became a key figure in the Ottoman Empire. His legacy was the Ham that he built in 1644, just one year before his death.

Interest in restoring the Han came about from Vrana locals a few years ago and with the help of both EU funds and money from the Croatian government, the Mašković was restored. Around 2.7 million euros was spent on restoring the 3,000 square metre Han which opened this weekend.