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Photo: Martin Brož, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A tekje is a place of spiritual retreat in the Bektashi Order, a type of Sufi Islam, similar to a monastery. This one is the best surviving Bektashi tekje in Europe. The sprawling complex was established in 1538. Ali Baba, brother-in-law of Sultun Suleiman the Magnificent, was banished to Tetovo in the 16th century. He practiced the way of the Bektashi Order until his death, after which his only surviving pupil Arabati Baba founded a monastery to commemorate Ali Baba. The current buildings in the complex were built in the late 18th century by Recep Pasha whose tomb lies next to that of Ali Baba. Some of the buildings are in good shape while others are in poor condition. After the Ottomans were driven out of Macedonia, the complex was nationalised under Yugoslavia and used as a hotel and museum. Today, in the Republic of North Macedonia, the complex is back in the hands of the Bektashi Order.
The Arabati Baba Tekḱe is an Ottoman-era takya located in Tetovo, North Macedonia. The tekke was originally built in 1538 around the türbe of dervish Sersem Ali Baba. In 1799, a waqf provided by Recep Paşa established the current grounds of the tekke. The monks claim the tower was the last home of a high-ranking Albanian named Roxalana, who died of tuberculosis there. According to a more popular theory, it was part of the monastery's defence system, founded in the 16th Century.
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Шарена Џамија
The most unique mosque in North Macedonia, the Šarena Džamija (meaning "Decorated Mosque") was built in 1438. It was, however, reconstructed in 1833 by Abdurrahman Pasha, when it received its present appearance. Abdurrahman Pasha was an art enthusiast which helps explain why the mosque has bright floral paintings, unlike other Ottoman mosques which typically have ceramic tile decor. More than 30,000 eggs were used to prepare the paint and glaze that went into the elaborate decorations. In addition to the geometric and floral ornamentation, landscape is also encountered. Among the pictorial decorations, especially attractive is the depiction of Mecca, a rare and perhaps the only example of an illustration of the shrine of Muhammad in southeast Europe. Another uncommon feature of this mosque is that it is not topped by a domed roof. The courtyard contains a türbe (tomb), a fountain, and is filled with flowers. The mosque sits on Ilindenska Boulevard just west of the Pena River.
Беговски амам
Built in the 15th century, this hamam (Turkish bath) sits across the river from the Šarena Džamija on Ilindenska Boulevard. The hamam, also known as the Bey's Hamam, and the mosque were built around the same time. In 1962, the stone-built structure was transformed into an art gallery. It was completely renovated in 2015.
Црква „Св. Богородица“
Across the Pena River from the Church of Saint Nicholas, this church was completed in 1916. It has a bell tower and a dome.
Манастир „Св. Ѓорѓи“
Within the village of Mala Rečica, just west of the Arabati Baba Tekje, this monastery dating from the 14th century was destroyed by Albanian insurgents in the 2001 conflict but, with the help of the village's primarily ethnic Albanian population, it was being rebuilt with re-dedication occurring in 2017.
Црква „Св. Никола“
Located in the northern part of town, the first church here was built in 1842. However, it was destroyed in 1872 and sat in ruins until reconstruction began in 1901. It was completed in 1912. A church dedicated to Saint Parasheva and Saint Nedela was built in 2007 behind the Church of St Nicholas.
Алимбегова куќа
This unique estate was built by local Ottoman ruler Alim Bey as his personal residence. It is asymmetrical in design with Baroque elements. Built with three floors, the western facade is the most prominent with its hexagonal tower. Friezes and other details can be found all around the house.