The "14th Waqf Days" event opened, a series of activities planned in several BiH cities and Sandžak

(Patria) - The "14th Waqf Days" event, traditionally organized by the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in BiH, was opened today with a ceremonial program at the Gazi Husrev-beg Library in Sarajevo.

Within this event, until May 5th, a series of activities will be carried out in several cities in BiH and Sandžak, through which the Waqf Directorate reminds of the religious foundations and importance of waqf, its practical forms of action, and expresses gratitude to individuals and institutions who have affirmed and improved waqf as a common good of all Muslims through their contributions.

The program includes, among other things, the ceremonial opening of the Dugalić Mosque in Nevesinje, as well as the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the Clock Tower in Banja Luka.

Deputy Reisul-ulema Enes-ef. Ljevaković stated that this event is an opportunity to remember our foundations, pay attention to the great deeds and achievements of our glorious predecessors who selflessly established and built waqf buildings, shaping the space and time in which they lived.

He congratulated the management of the Waqf Directorate on their dedicated and committed work, as well as their great efforts and commitment to the revitalization, renovation, and restoration of old waqfs, and their endeavors in opening new waqfs for various purposes.

- The credit for the evident successes in this area also belongs to other competent bodies and institutions of the Islamic Community at all levels, without whose commitment and effort these successes would not have been possible.

This synergy in common affairs and efforts should be a permanently recognizable characteristic of our community in the future - Ljevaković said.

He reminded that waqfs have played a significant role for the community throughout history, which is why they were targeted by some ruling regimes and systems that attacked, unlawfully alienated, appropriated, and endangered them.

- Unfortunately, even today's authorities are not entirely immune to such practices. In some places, they still seize waqf property or, in various ways, prevent it from being returned to its owners, or from being used for the purpose for which certain waqfs were established.

This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the area of the Mufti of Mostar, about which the Mufti of Mostar has spoken and warned several times - Ljevaković added.

He also stated that the Islamic Community will not give up the fight for the return of waqfs.

- As a responsible community, we must not falter until the very last waqf is returned to whom it belongs, or used for the purpose for which it was established. This is our permanent task until the mentioned goal is achieved - Ljevaković emphasized.

The Deputy Reisul-ulema also highlighted that the goal of the Islamic Community in the coming period is to activate waqfs and put them to their intended use. On this path, he said, they have the support of partner organizations from other countries.

- In this joint effort, we see an opportunity for further intensification of cooperation in the coming period, especially considering that there is still a significant number of waqfs, particularly from the Ottoman period, awaiting their reconstruction and re-operation.

Their renovation is not just a matter of protecting cultural heritage from earlier periods, but also an investment in the future. Waqfs, especially those from the Ottoman period, represent a common heritage and pride for all of us. They are an important part of our identity, but also a bridge connecting the past, present, and future - Ljevaković underscored, declaring the "14th Waqf Days" event open.

The Director of the Waqf Directorate, Huso Salihović, noted that waqfs have shaped the environments in which they were established throughout various periods.

- Waqf had its significance in the past in certain environments, and through this event, we want to highlight that role and bring waqfs back to the postcard of cities, such as Nevesinje, Mostar, and Banja Luka - Salihović stated.

He also added that the goal of this year's event is to send a message that waqf is significant in terms of general good for the entire population in the cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Today's event also provided an opportunity to present an award plaque to the most prominent waqf donor of the past year 2025, which was awarded to Vahid Brkić from Gračanica.

Let us recall that Brkić, together with his family, endowed a facility worth 1.3 million KM last year in Stjepan Polje near Gračanica.

Brkić's waqf is a waqf-business facility built on waqf land in Stjepan Polje. The total gross area of the facility, built on two floors, is 900 square meters, and the usable space is over 700 square meters. In the right part of the facility, on both floors, there is a kindergarten space of over 250 square meters.

A special award for contribution to the restoration of waqfs in Bosnia and Herzegovina was presented to the General Director of the General Directorate of Waqfs of Turkey, Sinan Aksu, who emphasized that Turkey allocates significant funds for the restoration of waqfs in our country, as well as for other humanitarian projects.

- Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a special place in the cultural environment that we once shared. Therefore, Turkey continues to invest in the restoration of old waqfs, as well as in opening new ones - Aksu said.

The Deputy Reisul-ulema also presented a check for 200 thousand euros for continued assistance to the people of Gaza, which the Islamic Community will implement with Diyanet. The check was presented to the Deputy General Director of Diyanet, Recep Sugru Balkan.

This, as emphasized, continues the ongoing assistance of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has so far provided over 3.5 million KM in aid to the endangered population of Gaza.