Turkiye restores historic Sinan Bey Mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Turkish Directorate General of Foundations has successfully rebuilt the Sinan Bey Mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This historic mosque, originally constructed in the 16th century and later destroyed during the Bosnian War, is set to reopen for Friday prayersthis week, according to Turkiye Today.

Located in Cajnice, the Sinan Bey Mosque was initially built by the renowned Ottoman chief architect Sinan Bey. It was demolished by Serbian forces on 8 June, 1992, during the Bosnian War with reconstruction efforts starting in 2016 including a foundation-laying ceremony.

The restoration project was a collaborative effort supported by the Turkish Directorate General of Foundations and the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project not only focused on the mosque but also included the renovation of the tombs of Sinan Bey and his wife Semse, as well as landscaping to restore the site’s original appearance, the report said.

Turkish Directorate General of Foundations in Bosnia and Herzegovina rebuilds 16th-century Sinan Bey Mosque, destroyed by Serbshttps://t.co/dKrVJshs0W

— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) July 7, 2024

Gorazde Mufti Remzi Pitic announced that preparations are complete and emphasised the significance of these revival efforts, stating: “This is the third mosque we’ve opened in the Gorazde region in ten years. We still have lots to do. Rebuilding the mosque will bring new life to Cajnice, giving Bosniaks a fresh reason to visit. We’ve planned several events, including the main Mawlid program on September 15, to be held at this mosque.”

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Hadis Kustura, a former muezzin at the mosque before its destruction, expressed his joy about its reopening. Kustura, who lived in Cajnice until the war and then moved to Sarajevo, was quoted as saying: “I was one of the last muezzins here. Even with few people, I came for every prayer. Being back at this mosque brings up feelings I can’t describe.”

“Now, when you come to Cajnice, it feels like you’re entering an old Bosniak Muslim neighbourhood. It was hard to visit after the mosque was destroyed,” he added.

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