Renovated mosque in Kotezi ceremonially opened: A message of peace, coexistence, and lasting charity

(Patria) – In the presence of several hundred believers and guests from various parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, the renovated mosque in Kotezi near Trebinje was ceremonially opened today, which will henceforth also bear the name "Hafiz Mosque", at the request of its new benefactors – Hafiz Prof. Dr. Faris Gavrankapetanović and his wife Dr. Alma Gavrankapetanović.

This mosque, one of the oldest in Herzegovina, had been non-functional since 1942, and its renovation represents the 11th successfully restored religious building in the area of the Islamic Community of Trebinje.

On behalf of the hosts, Hafiz Sadik-ef. Fazlagić, chief imam of MIZ Trebinje, welcomed the attendees, expressing gratitude to all who recognized the significance of this moment and supported the mosque's renovation.

– The administrative and technical work on the renovation lasted for five years. We have created foundations for institutional strengthening, both in religious and endowment capacities. I call on all institutions to support the continuation of our activities – said Hafiz Fazlagić.

The ceremony was further graced by representatives of other religious communities, including Fra Mirko Majdandžić, and Ljubinje deacon Bogdan Santrač, who conveyed congratulations on behalf of the Zahumlje-Herzegovina Eparchy and Metropolitan Dimitrije.

The Director of the Vakuf Directorate, Hafiz Dr. Senaid Zajimović, emphasized the deep roots of interfaith respect in this region, recalling that the land on which the Catholic church in Kotezi stands today was once endowed by a Muslim woman, Munla Hodžić.

The Mufti of Mostar, Dr. Salem-ef. Dedović, highlighted that this renovation sends a strong message of hope and unity.

– This mosque has been renovated in the true Bosnian spirit – a spirit of mutual respect, coexistence, and belief in universal human values. This most directly refutes the theses that Bosnia and Herzegovina is an impossible country – said Mufti Dedović.

One of the main benefactors, Hafiz Prof. Dr. Faris Gavrankapetanović, spoke about the personal and family motives for the mosque's renovation, emphasizing that this act is an expression of gratitude to previous generations and a pledge to future ones.

– This mosque is a lasting charity and a remembrance of the late Mujo Kotezlija, but also of our parents, teachers, and all those who taught us faith, morality, and humanity – said Gavrankapetanović.

On behalf of the Reis-ul-ulema Dr. Husein-ef. Kavazović, Hafiz Dr. Mensur-ef. Malkić conveyed that this mosque was first built in the hearts of its benefactors, and then brought to earth as an expression of piety and love for the faith.

The opening of the mosque concluded with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting performed by Hafiz Gavrankapetanović together with his children – son Alija and daughter Ajša.

The renovated mosque in Kotezi is not just a religious building – it is a symbol of hope, lasting charity, and a beacon of interpersonal solidarity and coexistence in the heart of Herzegovina.