Efendija Smajlović: After three decades of absence, we return Arnaudija to its natural habitat, the city of Banja Luka

(Patria) - After 31 years since its demolition, the Banja Luka mosque Arnaudija was ceremonially opened. A large number of guests attended the opening. The main financier of the construction of the Arnaudija mosque is the Republic of Turkey.

Ismail efendija Smajlović, the mufti of Banja Luka, said in his speech that during Ramadan, Easter, and Passover we had the opportunity to show respect towards others.

"After three decades of absence, today we return it to its natural habitat, the city of Banja Luka. Today we complete the painstaking work of restoring mosques. Our joy is special because the re-erection of Arnaudija restores hope for a better tomorrow, which we desperately need. We believe in a better tomorrow and work diligently on it," said ef. Smajlović.

Ali Erbaş, the President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, said that Islam is a religion that calls for peace, tranquility, and salvation.

"Almighty Allah says in the Quran 'O you who believe, live in peace'. Our sublime religion Islam desires peace. Mosques are undoubtedly the gates of the Islamic faith and morality. Mosques are like branches of the Kaaba, they are the strongest places of love, devotion, harmony, and cooperation. Mosques in these regions are a call to salvation. For centuries, they have been symbols of morality and coexistence. We know well that our brothers living in BiH paid a high price for their faith, and Arnaudija is one of them. Raising this mosque, which was razed to the ground, was an obligation. We hope that this mosque will make a great contribution to the development of culture, coexistence, and peace," said Erbaş.

The Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, said that the Balkans and BiH have great significance in Turkish history.

„We have never been separated from each other, and therefore we will further strengthen our ties with the Balkans. We will continue to do everything to maintain peace and stability in the Balkans. The mosque, built in the 1590s, was partially destroyed in an earthquake and then demolished in 1993. It was declared a national monument of BiH. In 2016, the waqf directorates of the two countries signed an agreement on the reconstruction of the mosque. Today we are happy to open this mosque together. As our president emphasized during the opening of the Baščaršija mosque, mosques are a sign of friendship among people. I wish for Arnaudija to contribute to peace among people who live together. I express gratitude to all who contributed to the restoration of the mosque," said Ersoy.