Everything Ready for the Opening of the Dugalić Mosque in Nevesinje: Up to 2,000 Visitors Expected

(Patria) - In Nevesinje on April 26, starting at 11:30 AM, the ceremonial opening of the renovated complex of the Dugalić Mosque and the historic clock tower, a national monument of exceptional importance for the cultural and religious heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be held.

The event is held within the framework of "Days of Waqf," and the presence of a large number of believers, guests, and delegations from religious, political, and cultural life is expected.

– Preparations for the ceremonial opening of the Dugalić Mosque, despite complex requirements, are proceeding according to plan, and all activities are unfolding as we envisioned. We expect a large number of visitors, believers, delegations, and people who will come to this solemn gathering. According to unofficial estimates, between 1500 and 2000 people could attend the ceremony. I would especially like to emphasize that nothing has been left to chance – we have engaged volunteers, ushers, organizers, and the support of the local police. Our goal is for everything to go smoothly and for us to collectively celebrate this historic moment for Nevesinje and the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina – notes the president of the Nevesinje Mufti Council, Šerif Kujan.

Representatives of the Islamic Community, led by the Deputy Reis-ul-ulema, delegations from the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, the General Director of the Waqf Directorate of the Republic of Turkey, former and current directors of the Waqf Directorate of BiH Dr. Senaid Zaimović and Huso Salihović, representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, local authorities, and numerous guests from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina will attend the ceremony.

Joint Lunch in the Courtyard of the Emperor's Mosque

During the program, religious leaders, government representatives, and donors will address the attendees.

After the noon prayer (dhuhr), which will be performed in the Dugalić Mosque, and if necessary, in the Emperor's Mosque, a joint lunch will be organized for all attendees in the courtyard of the Emperor's Mosque.

Refreshments will be provided in the city center, and the ambiance will be further enhanced by a large golden džezva (traditional coffee pot) placed next to the clock tower.

– For guests arriving without personal transportation, one bus has been provided (along the main road) on the Potoci – Nevesinje route, while in cooperation with the local police, organized and marked parking spaces for vehicles and buses have been arranged. All our dear guests who have needs can contact our volunteers, ushers, and members of the organizing committee. We wish for everything to proceed smoothly and in a dignified atmosphere – said Kujan.

The renovation of the Dugalić Mosque began after the signing of the agreement with the Waqf Directorate in 2019.

The foundation stone was laid on May 31, 2022, and the works officially began on April 7, 2023. The contractor was the Turkish company Bilsa İnşaat in cooperation with local companies Građevina Fajić and Delta Z Mostar as subcontractors.

The project, with special attention to preserving the authenticity of the monument, included the renovation of the mosque, ablution area, clock tower, and courtyard.