Architect whose plans will be used for Aladža reconstruction

The exceptional architectural and artistic value of the Aladža Mosque was the reason for its destruction, and the will of the local people, who collected stone by stone from its remains, is the reason for its reconstruction, architect Amir Pašić tells the BH News Agency Patria.

According to his plans, one of the most beautiful mosques in BiH - Aladža Mosque in Foča - will be reconstructed. Not many architects are that lucky in their careers. That is why Professor Pašić is extremely happy.

Built in the mid-15th century, Aladža Mosque is one of the country's greatest national monuments. It was demolished to the ground at the beginning of the aggression against BiH. Thanks to the Vakuf Directorate of the Islamic Community in BiH and the Directorate of Vakuf of Turkey, the foundation stone for its reconstruction was laid, and the work is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.
The reconstruction will be carried out by a Turkish company, but they have announced that they will also engage local businessmen.

- The decorative motifs on the mosque walls will take as long to restore as the construction work itself will take - explains the professor. - Aladža is known for its decorative motifs, which is why it was nicknamed the colourful mosque. However, thousands of different motifs, colours, inscriptions, and messages will now be returned to its walls.

- People endow various things, but few structures are beautiful as well. Aladža is truly one of them - explains Pašić.

- This is a mosque that combines extraordinary architecture and Islamic decoration, and as such, it represents a unique object in the Balkans. Perhaps there is something similar somewhere in the Islamic world, but certainly not in the Balkans - says Pašić.
For the architecture professor, whose plans also led to the reconstruction of the Old Bridge in Mostar, this is the 33rd mosque to be reconstructed according to his drawings. However, Aladža, he says, holds a special place and value in his creative career. It is not technically the most demanding, but the message sent by its reconstruction is one of the most important for the Bosniaks of Foča.

- There has always been destruction, but what happened to Aladža is specific. Someone wanted both the mosque and its community to disappear. Therefore, its reconstruction is not just the reconstruction of a building, it is a sign of security for the returnees there - says Professor Pašić, writes Patira.