Kizlar-agina Mosque opened in Mrkonjić Grad

(Patria) - As part of the "Days of Waqfs" event, organized for the 12th time by the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in BiH, the Kizlar-agina Mosque was opened today in Mrkonjić Grad.

This is a mosque that was declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Commission for the Preservation of National Monuments at its session in 2005. In this regard, its reconstruction is of great importance for the entire society.

“We at the Waqf Directorate and the Islamic Community are greatly pleased to open a mosque in Mrkonjić Grad after so many years, which will certainly, in addition to its purpose, capture the hearts of all passers-by and visitors to this city and region,” said the director of the Waqf Directorate, hafiz dr. Senaid Zajimović.

He assessed that the reopening of the mosque in this area shows how Bosniaks, together with their neighbors, want to build a peaceful and prosperous country. “A waqf does not die and does not disappear, it is a lasting good. Proof of this is this mosque and its waqf Kizlar-aga. By returning the mosque to this city, we are returning its soul and reviving religious life. It is important that we unite in organizing religious life and strive to ensure that all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina have their places of worship,” said dr. Zajimović.

The rehabilitation of the facility began in June 2013 with the repair of the existing foundations and lasted until the end of 2014, when it was interrupted due to a lack of financial resources. During that period, the mosque building, the large dome, and the pillars and arches of the portico were constructed.

During the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Kizlar-agina Mosque was set on fire and mined in 1993, then demolished, and the material was taken to a landfill located at the Grabež site.



At the request of the Mufti of Banja Luka and the MIZ Mrkonjić Grad, the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through its partners at the General Directorate of Waqfs of the Republic of Turkey, provided funds for the continuation of the reconstruction works on the Kizlar-agina Mosque.

“Mosques should encourage us to continue promoting values important to humanity. This is also an opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of educational institutions in our societies. The believers in Mrkonjić Grad, whom I congratulate, are living the reality of their time with honor and dignity, as befits Muslims,” said the Mufti of Banja Luka, Ismail-ef. Smajlović, during his address.

The event was also attended by the Mayor of Mrkonjić Grad Municipality, Dragan Vođević, who emphasized that this gathering should be understood as an invitation to all residents to bravely, decisively, and together move towards the future.

On this occasion, he assessed that religious buildings should be places of meeting and promotion of the idea of goodness and mutual respect. The Deputy Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community, dr. Enes Ljevaković, said that with the opening of this mosque and Arnaudija in Banja Luka, the process of reconstructing destroyed mosques is nearing completion.

“This confirms that the Islamic Community has done its job responsibly and is fulfilling its mission. We know that it was not easy, nor simple, but with God's help, dedicated work, and the support of good people and institutions, that process has proceeded successfully,” said dr. Ljevaković.

He reminded that a mosque is a place of gathering, as well as a reminder of universal values.

“May the reconstruction of the mosque strengthen the desire of the community members to live by it and with it. We believe that they have the support of the local authorities for this, as the mayor confirmed to us today,” said dr. Ljevaković.

A protocol on the continuation of construction was signed in August 2018 between the Waqf Directorate of the IZ in BiH and the General Directorate of Waqfs of the Republic of Turkey. The reconstruction of the Kizlar-agina Mosque was completed at the end of 2023. “The culture of waqf is expressed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which we often talk about. Waqfs have contributed to the common good, but also shaped the cultural life of a society. We, as the General Directorate, attach great importance to this area, which has a large number of waqfs,” said Sinan Aksu, Director of the General Directorate of Waqfs of the Republic of Turkey.

He said that this mosque represents a symbol of peace, friendship, brotherhood, and mutual understanding in this region. As highlighted during the program, the General Directorate of Waqfs of the Republic of Turkey, together with the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community, implemented 13 projects from 2010 to 2020, and four more projects are currently underway.