Foundation stone laid for the reconstruction of Ferhad Pasha's Clock Tower in Banja Luka

(Patria) - Within the framework of "Waqf Days", the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Clock Tower, one of the symbols of this city destroyed in 1993, was laid today in Banja Luka.

From the laying of the foundation stone

The foundation stone was laid by the Vice-President of the smaller Bosnian entity Ćamil Duraković and Suat Faruk Giray, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Waqf of Turkey, which provided the funds for the realization of this project.

At the ceremonial event, the Mufti of Banja Luka, Ismail-ef. Smajlović, stated that the citizens of Banja Luka are joyful today, emphasizing that this generation is witnessing the restoration of monumental buildings that confirm the continuity and importance of the time in which we live.

- Towers, spires on places of worship, minarets on mosques, and other buildings indicate human elevation in reading and measuring time. From the first forms of measuring daylight to clock mechanisms, this generation witnesses satellite/celestial measurement and time synchronization. Such progress and development of scientific achievements should be directed towards the benefit of humankind - said Mufti Smajlović.

He emphasized that time is precious and that every person should use it wisely, conscientiously, and for the benefit of themselves and others.

Ismail-ef. Smajlović, Mufti of Banja Luka

- Therefore, the Clock Tower shows the time and indicates that every person can manage their time. This can be an inspiration and a message to every virtuous person who comes near it or reads the time from a distance and assesses the available time for good deeds. This is the possibility and choice of every individual in humankind - emphasized Smajlović.

He extended his gratitude to the chief designer of the Clock Tower's reconstruction, Prof. Maida Ibrišagić-Hrstić, as well as to the General Directorate of Waqf of Turkey and the City Administration of Banja Luka for this historic undertaking.

The Vice-President of the RS entity, Ćamil Duraković, said that today we witness that time cannot hide the truth.

- The demolition of the Clock Tower in 1993 deprived Banja Luka of a soul that it has been missing all this time. I am happy that after the renovation of Ferhadija, we will soon have the Clock Tower again, which will complete this city - stated Duraković.

He also added that he is happy that the Mayor of Banja Luka attended today's laying of the foundation stone, emphasizing that the City Administration was at the disposal of the Islamic Community during this project.

- No matter how much we dispute coexistence, today we all defiantly witness here that Bosnia and Herzegovina is possible, that Banja Luka is a multi-ethnic city, that institutions work in the interest of all citizens - said Duraković.

Draško Stanivuković and Ćamil Duraković

The Director of the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Huso Salihović, added that with the reconstruction of the Clock Tower, an object that once adorned its postcard is being returned to Banja Luka.

- With the hard work of the Waqf Directorate, the Mufti of Banja Luka, and the Majlis of Banja Luka, as well as the City Administration, in 18 months, God willing, we will see its monumental building in this city again - said Salihović.

The Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Waqf of the Republic of Turkey, Suat Giray, said that the projects implemented by Turkey in our country are a continuation of the centuries-old understanding of our waqf civilization, which aims to preserve goodness, the culture of sharing, and heartfelt connection.

- We strive to preserve our rich and valuable heritage, which has been passed down to the present day, and to leave it to future generations through restoration activities both in Turkey and in Bosnia and Herzegovina - said Giray.

The Mayor of Banja Luka, Draško Stanivuković, added that the laying of the foundation stone for the Clock Tower is an act by which a foundation stone of togetherness is also laid, with a view towards the future.

- The Clock Tower here in Banja Luka can be an upright stone bridge, connecting us again. I am glad that the City Administration, together with all of you present here, has resolved certain procedural matters, and today we can begin the work, and in 18 months Banja Luka will regain one of its symbols, along with many others it has - said Stanivuković.

A prayer after the laying of the foundation stone was recited by the Mufti of Banja Luka from 1993-2012, Edhem-ef. Čamdžić.

A Protocol on cooperation in the design and reconstruction of the Clock Tower was signed in November 2020 between the General Directorate of Waqf of the Republic of Turkey, the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community, the City of Banja Luka, and the Mufti of Banja Luka, after which the necessary permits were obtained and the administrative and technical prerequisites for its reconstruction were secured.

The project will be financed by the General Directorate of Waqf of the Republic of Turkey, through the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in BiH.