Türkiye assists in Sinan Bey Mosque’s restoration in Bosnia, Herzegovina

Turkish Directorate General of Foundations in Bosnia and Herzegovina rebuilt the Sinan Bey Mosque, originally built in the 16th century and destroyed by Serbs.

The mosque will reopen for prayer on July 12 with Friday prayers.

The historic Sinan Bey Mosque, located in Cajnice, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was initially built by Sinan Bey, son-in-law of Ottoman Grand Vizier Sokullu Mehmed Pasha. It was destroyed on June 8, 1992, during attacks by Serbian forces.

The reconstruction began in 2016 with a foundation-laying ceremony.

The restoration project, supported by the Turkish Directorate General of Foundations and the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina, included the renovation of the tombs of Sinan Bey and his wife, Semse, as well as landscaping to restore the site’s original appearance.

Gorajde Mufti Remzi Pitic announced preparations are complete, and the mosque will reopen on July 12 with Friday prayers.

Highlighting the region’s revitalization efforts, Mufti Pitic noted, “This is the third mosque we have opened in the Gorajde region in the last 10 years.

We still have much work to do. The reconstruction of the mosque will breathe new life into Cajnice, providing Bosniaks with a renewed reason to visit. We have planned several events, including the central Mawlid program on Sept. 15, to be held at this mosque.”

Hadis Kustura, who served as a muezzin at the mosque until its destruction, expressed his excitement about the mosque’s reopening.

Kustura, who lived in Cajnice until the war began and then moved to Sarajevo, said: “I was one of the last muezzins at this mosque. Despite the small congregation, I used to come here for every prayer. Reuniting with this mosque evokes indescribable emotions.”

After performing a prayer of gratitude upon entering the mosque, Kustura reminisced about his childhood memories within its walls. He thanked everyone, especially Türkiye, for their contributions to the mosque’s reconstruction, adding: “Now, when you enter Cajnice, you feel as though you are stepping into an old Bosniak Muslim neighborhood. It was difficult to visit this place after the mosque was destroyed.”