Pilgrimage Sites
Prusac
Prusac, a quiet town transformed each June when thousands flock to Ajvatovica, the largest Islamic sanctuary in Europe. Here, amidst the captivating natural beauty, the legend of Ajvaz Dede lives, a tale of faith quenching the land’s thirst with a miraculous stream that still flows. This sacred place brims with cultural richness during ‘Days of Ajvatovica’, offering not only profound spirituality, but also a vibrant mélange of cultural and spiritual events. In this legendary landscape, experience an authentic Bosnian Muslim heritage that bridges generations.
Blagaj Tekke
Enter the oasis of tranquility at Blagaj Tekke, a revered spiritual hub in Bosnia and Herzegovina, welcoming thousands of worshippers each year. At the heart of this sacred site, where the Buna River emerges from a cavernous cliff, stands the historic Tekke – a testament to the Sufi legacy and a symbol of harmonious coexistence of faiths. Frequented by mystics, travelers, and history buffs alike, the allure of Blagaj Tekke lies not only in its stunning Ottoman architecture but also in the spiritual serenity that engulfs this place. A visit here is more than an excursion, it’s a soulful voyage that inspires peace and understanding.
Mosques & Tekkes
Hajji Sinan’s Tekke
Constructed between 1638 and 1640, it is believed that the tekke’s construction was funded by Hajji Sinan, a prosperous merchant from Sarajevo, or his son, Mustafa Pasha.
Mejtaš Tekke
Mejtaš Tekke is among the most renowned tekkes in Sarajevo. It stands as the largest gathering place for dervishes in the city and is recognized as a popular meeting spot for the youth.
Stolac Tekke
The tekke situated in Stolac, which also functions as a hub for the exploration and advancement of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s spiritual and cultural legacy, stands as a mystical haven positioned near the captivating Bregava River.
Atik Mosque Bijeljina
The Atik Mosque, alternatively called the Old or Tsarska Mosque, stands in Bijeljina’s center. Historical records indicate it was likely built between 1520 and 1566 during Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent’s rule. It is the oldest mosque in Bijeljina. Nearby, a hammam and a protective moat with palisades were constructed. The Atik Mosque stands as one of the most exquisite single-room mosques within the Republic of Srpska. The Atik Mosque has been declared as a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina
White Mosque Brčko
The White Mosque, the largest and one of the oldest in the area, has undergone reconstruction, adopting a distinctly modern style with unique features like an inverted boat-shaped interior dome. It is nestled within a small park.
Aladža Mosque Foča
One of the most striking mosques in the country, Aladža Mosque is a testament to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s wealthy history and heritage. The painted ornamentation follows the distinctive classical Ottoman architectural style. Being the first mosque of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina, many others built later have emulated its design. It has been under state protection since the 1950s.
Ferhadija Mosque Banja Luka
Situated in Banja Luka, Ferhat-Pasha’s Mosque is one of the most fascinating landmarks in Banja Luka and beyond, holding paramount significance in the city. It stands as a pinnacle of Islamic architecture from the 16th century in Bosnia and Herzegovina, showcasing one of the most remarkable achievements of that era.
Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque Sarajevo
Gazi Husrev Bey’s Mosque, commonly referred to as Bey’s Mosque, was constructed at the heart of Baščaršija in 1530. The architectural mastermind behind it was AdžemEsir Ali, a Persian hailing from Tabriz, who held the esteemed position of chief architect in the Ottoman Empire during that era. In the present day, this mosque rightfully stands as the paramount architectural treasure from the Ottoman era, preserving its significance in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s history.
Sulejmanija Mosque Travnik
The Colorful or Sulejmanija Mosque in Travnik stands as one of the most renowned and significant cultural-historical landmarks within the central Bosnia region. This structure holds a place on the list of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national monuments, originating from the latter half of the 16th century. Additionally, its location at the heart of Travnik city makes it an indispensable cultural monument for all visitors to this area. The interior of the Sulejmanija (Colorful) Mosque is adorned with lavish decorations.
Tabačka Mosque Visoko
The Tabačka Mosque in Visoko is situated on the left bank of the Fojnica River in the center of Visoko. It has been designated as a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Tabačka Mosque belongs to the category of single-room mosques with porticos and a wooden minaret.
Osman Paša Mosque Trebinje
Situated in the Old Town (Kastel), not a great distance from the main entrance gate and town fortifications, this mosque is constructed from solid masonry stone and features a four-part roof design reminiscent of a dome, covered with fiber cement. Adjacent to the right wall, an exquisite octagon-shaped stone minaret stands, soaring to a height of 16 meters, regarded as one of the finest in all of Herzegovina. The mosque was established in 1726, representing Osman Pasha’s enduring contribution to Trebinje.
Emperor's Mosque Sarajevo
The Emperor’s Mosque stands as the oldest mosque in Sarajevo and one of the most ancient in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tradition holds that Isa Bey Ishaković, the city’s founder, commissioned the construction of this sacred site shortly after establishing the city in 1462, as a tribute to Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror.
Old Wooden Mosque Tuholj
The Old Wooden Mosque in Tuholj is a unique and well-preserved wooden mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has undergone various renovations but has managed to preserve its essential features, notably the original structure and shingle roof. In terms of layout, it falls into the category of wooden mosques with a front gallery, open entrance porch, steep hipped roof, and a wooden minaret. This mosque serves as a rare and characteristic illustration of the vernacular architectural style in rural Bosnian mosques.
Balaguša Mosque Livno
The Balaguša Mosque is one of several domed mosques in Livno, and it is thought to have been built between 1530 and 1550. It, like the other domed mosques in Livno, falls into the Ottoman category of single-room mosques featuring a porch covered by three small domes.
Čaršija Mosque Konjic
The Čaršija Mosque, believed to have been established by an individual named Junuz-čauš, likely dates back to the 16th century. In 1922, the mosque underwent a comprehensive restoration, including the replacement of the stone floor with a wooden one and the reinstallation of a sheet metal roof.
Gnjilavac Mosque Cazin
Gnjilavac Mosque, situated by the roadside in Cazin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, forms a compound Hamza Bey Mosque holds the distinction of being the largest mosque in Sanski Most and stands as the sole mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina featuring four minarets. Its initial construction likely dates back to the 1550s, and it underwent multiple renovations until 1984. Comprising two mosques. The older mosque was constructed in 1939, while the newer one was built from 2001 to 2007. It stands as one of the most sizable mosques in the Krajina region.
Baščaršija Mosque
The Baščaršija Mosque is located on the main square of the old Sarajevo merchant core – Baščaršija. The Baščaršija Mosque is a single-space domed mosque with an open outer courtyard, covered by small domes, and featuring a stone minaret built adjacent to it.
Fethija Mosque Bihać
The Fethija Mosque was initially constructed as the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, an example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 13th century. This mosque is recognized as the oldest Gothic structure in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Umoljani Mosque
The mosque in Umoljani is the oldest religious structure in the area of the Bjelašnica Plateau. It is believed that in the late 16th or early 17th century, a wooden mosque was built on this same site, which existed in that form until 1882 when it was demolished. In its place, a stone mosque was constructed, and its appearance has remained unchanged to this day. Some sources mention that during World War II, the Sarajevo Haggadah was safeguarded in this mosque.
Esma Sultana Mosque Jajce
The Esma Sultana Mosque stands out as the most significant mosque in Jajce from the Ottoman era, primarily due to its size and distinctive design. Situated at the town center, the mosque complex also included a fountain, a mekteb (Muslim religious school), and a graveyard. The mosque, bearing an inscription above its portal, was constructed in 1749/50 and was founded by Emir Mustafa, a senior military officer. There is a tradition suggesting that Esma, the wife of Bosnian governor Mehmed Pasha Muhsinovic, was responsible for building this mosque along with two bridges over the Vrbas River.
Husejnija Mosque Gradačac
The Husejnija Mosque in Gradačac is a national monument in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Constructed in 1826 by Husein-kapetan Gradaščević, it stands as his major architectural achievement. This national monument encompasses the mosque, an ablution area, a library, a harem adorned with tombstones, and entrance gates.
Karađoz Bey Mosque Mostar
The Karađoz Bey Mosque stands as the largest well-preserved mosque in Mostar. It was built in 1557 by Mehmed Karađoz, who was the son of Ebu-Sadet and the brother of the Herzegovinian vizier Rustem at the time. In addition to its impressive tall minaret, the mosque’s dome is also a striking feature.
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque Mostar
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque stands as an outstanding example of Ottoman architectural style in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its founder, Mehmed Koski, was closely associated with the Grand Vizier Lala Mehmed Sokolović. This mosque boasts a straightforward layout with a dome, meticulously crafted from stone blocks. Positioned along the cliffs of the Neretva River in the city center, it includes three domes on its porch and features an exquisitely designed mihrab and minbar.
Šišman Ibrahim Pasha Mosque Počitelj
The Šišman Ibrahim-pasha or Hadži Alija Mosque is a prime example of a classic Ottoman-style single-domed mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s a remarkable architectural achievement from the Ottoman era. The mosque features an impressive dome and a grand entrance with intricately carved wooden doors.
Čaršija Mosque Stolac
The Čaršija Mosque, dating back to 1519, stands as the oldest prominent structure within Stolac’s čaršija. Nearby, there was a mekteb (Ottoman religious school), and encircling the mosque, a harem (Muslim cemetery), while shops encompassed the mosque, shaping the čaršija.
Kušlat Mosque
Among the community, the Kušlat Mosque has consistently carried a unique and cherished spiritual significance. This mosque is regarded as one of the most ancient in Bosnia and Herzegovina, standing as a distinctive construction from the early Ottoman era, precisely between 1460 and 1480 in the 15th century. It is perched on a cliff adjacent to the road connecting Zvornik and Konjević-Polje. To reach the mosque, you must embark on a pedestrian journey, following a slender forest trail.
Hajji Ahmed the Ducat Minter's Mosque Livno
The Hajji Ahmed the Ducat Minter’s Mosque in Livno, dating back to the Ottoman era, comprises both a mosque and a clock tower. Named after Hajji Ahmed, a prosperous merchant renowned for minting gold coins (ducats) and funding the mosque’s construction, it boasts a simple yet graceful architectural style featuring a dome and a modest minaret. What sets the clock tower apart, added roughly a century later, is its unique feature: it displays Eastern numerals on its clock face, unlike the Western ones commonly seen. Notably, this clock tower ranks among Bosnia and Herzegovina’s oldest and tallest.
