Grand Opening of Dugalić Mosque in Nevesinje, Up to 2,000 Visitors Expected

(Patria) - In Nevesinje today, starting at 11:30 AM, 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 ceremonially opened.

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

- Preparations for the grand 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 1,500 and 2,000 people may attend the ceremony. I would particularly 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 BiH – says the president of the Majlis of the Islamic Community Nevesinje, Šerif Kujan.

Representatives of the Islamic Community, led by the Deputy Reis-ul-ulema, delegations from the Turkish Embassy, the General Director of the Turkish Vakuf Directorate, former and current directors of the Vakuf Directorate of BiH 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.

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

After the noon prayer (podne-namaz), which will be performed in the Dugalić Mosque, and if necessary, in the Careva Mosque, a joint lunch will be organized for all attendees in the courtyard of the Careva Mosque.

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

- For the arrival of guests who do not have personal transportation, one bus has been provided (along the main road) on the Potoci - Nevesinje route, while marked parking spaces for vehicles and buses have been organized in cooperation with the local police.

All our dear guests who have needs can contact our volunteers, ushers, and members of the organizing committee. Our wish is for everything to proceed smoothly and in a dignified atmosphere – added Kujan.

The renovation of the Dugalić Mosque began after the signing of the agreement with the Vakuf Directorate in 2019. The foundation stone was laid on May 31, 2022, and the works officially commenced 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.