30 Years Since the Destruction of the Čaršijska Mosque in Srebrenica: Some Demolished and Erased, Others Built and Restored

(Patria) - The Serbian aggressor army, led by Ratko Mladić, on this day thirty years ago, razed the Čaršijska Mosque in Srebrenica to the ground.

It was one of the oldest mosques in Srebrenica, and was restored on July 16, 2011.

The Čaršijska Mosque in Srebrenica has always been much more than a place of prayer; it was the heart of the town and a symbol of its identity. Just before the aggression on our homeland, a new, more modern mosque was built on the site of the old wooden mosque, from solid material, very similar to today's restored Čaršijska Mosque.

Until 1992, the chief imam and imam of the Čaršijska Mosque was Hasib Kovač. From 1992 to 1995, the duty of imam was performed by Mevludin-ef. Hrnjić, while today, alongside the chief imam Damir-ef. Peštalić, this duty is performed by Ahmed-ef. Hrustanović.

– During the siege of Srebrenica and at the time of the so-called "safe zone", this mosque, like the remaining four in the town itself, was the center of gathering for our people. Prayers were performed in shifts, Friday and tarawih prayers were held multiple times in a row, as were all other prayers.

Although it was never completely finished – scaffolding stood around the mosque and the interior remained unfinished – this was not an obstacle for the life of faith and community nor for holding numerous activities – recalled efendija Hrustanović in an interview for Preporod.info.

The aggressor army, immediately upon entering Srebrenica, demolished all five town mosques, along with everything that reminded of Islam and Muslims. Cemeteries were also destroyed, and in the area of the Srebrenica municipality, 23 mosques were demolished.



– The restoration and life in the Čaršijska Mosque testify to our determination to stay and preserve our identity. Regular mekteb classes gather our children and instill in them a love for faith and knowledge. The mekteb in the Srebrenica congregation is attended by 62 regular students. Our youth actively participate in congregational activities, volunteering, and organizing programs. We mark important religious and state dates, organize lectures and gatherings, all with the aim of preserving the community and passing on values to new generations – emphasized efendija Hrustanović.

The mosque is full today, although the number of Bosniaks in Srebrenica is significantly smaller compared to the period before and during the aggression.

– Despite everything, the Čaršijska Mosque remains our symbol of return and survival. The faithful build and restore, while those who spread hatred demolish and destroy. Our duty is to preserve and strengthen what our ancestors left us and to be hope for future generations – concludes efendija Hrustanović. (end)