Mufti Dedović and Bishop Dimitrije Lay Stone in Wall of Dugalić Mosque Undergoing Renovation

(Patria) - Mostar Mufti mr. Salem-ef. Dedović and Bishop Dimitrije today jointly laid a stone in the wall of the ongoing renovation of the Dugalić Mosque in Nevesinje.

With this act, they once again testified to the continuity of building good relations and trust between the Islamic Community and the Eparchy of Zahumlje-Herzegovina and the Littoral in Herzegovina.

Regarding this exceptionally important act, the mufti stated that it is a clear message of hope and encouragement for the future, and that the current generation of high dignitaries of the Islamic Community and the Orthodox Church is committed to contributing to a better life for all people as a whole.

“Today’s visit of the bishop to the construction site of the Dugalić Mosque is of great importance, further solidifying the good cooperation and understanding in the renovation projects of religious buildings, both from the Serbian Orthodox Church and the municipal administration,” emphasized the mufti.

He expressed hope that in a similar manner and atmosphere, the grand opening of the renovated mosque, as well as the Cathedral Church in Mostar, will soon follow.

“I am happy and grateful to God Almighty that we are on that path. All these years, we have strived to support the renovation of the Cathedral Church in Mostar, because it completes the image of Mostar, in which Serbian culture and Orthodoxy are part of the city's identity. All these years, we have strived to support such a Mostar, good interpersonal, interfaith relations, just as in this Nevesinje bazaar, despite the minor number of Bosniaks, our landmarks testify to the continuity of our existence,” said the mufti, adding that today's event is another in a series of positive traces left in time as a pledge for future generations.

Photo: MINA

Emphasizing the importance of nurturing good relations between the two religious communities, Bishop Dimitrije said that it is important for them to grow in their identity alongside each other and to progress as much as possible in these endeavors.
“I deeply believe in that. The more we are committed to good, truth, justice, and mercy, the closer we will be to each other. It is simply impossible for it to be otherwise,” emphasized Bishop Dimitrije.

He noted that the support they receive from the mufti in the renovation of the Cathedral Church in Mostar is invaluable.

“In Mostar, the mufti is always there when we have minor delays and problems with the construction of our Cathedral Church. He is always there and ready to help, with words, advice, and in every other way. This is just a symbolic act, simply a confirmation of the most natural human relationship,” said the bishop.

With wishes for the successful completion of the works, he expressed hope that the church and the mosque in Nevesinje, separated by only a few meters, will reflect each other and compete in beauty.

The stone that Mufti Dedović and Bishop Dimitrije jointly laid in the wall of the Dugalić Mosque today metaphorically symbolizes the revitalization of the memory of good relations, conditionally speaking, of ordinary people who, throughout history, enthusiastically helped renovate their neighbors' places of worship in a similar way.

Accompanying the bishop on the visit to the Dugalić Mosque construction site were priests from Mostar and Nevesinje, the Mayor of Nevesinje Municipality, and the President of the Municipal Council of this small East Herzegovinian town.