514th Ajvatovica Days Opened in Prusac

(Patria) - This year's religious-cultural event "514th Ajvatovica Days" was officially opened tonight on the Musalla plateau in Prusac, in the presence of state and religious officials, representatives of public and cultural life, as well as members of the community and residents of Prusac and other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Addressing the attendees, the president of the event's organizing committee, Travnik Mufti Dr. Ahmed-ef. Adilović, highlighted the significance of Ajvatoivca.

"Ajvatoivca is a significant segment of our tradition, culture, and spirituality, and it originated within our people, matured, developed, and bore its fruits, and our people have proudly passed it down from generation to generation for over 500 years. It is our collective memory, and through it, we show who our ancestors were, who we are today, and what our future generations will be like," said Mufti Adilović.

Through Ajvatoivca, we show that for centuries we have been a good and honest people, with noble hearts and good souls, well-intentioned towards all people, but also towards everything that surrounds us, because our faith teaches us so, the Mufti added.

"Bosnia has always been colorful and beautiful, it has had a place for all well-intentioned people, regardless of their nationality, religion, or category, and it will continue to be so, God willing, in the future," said, among other things, Travnik Mufti Dr. Ahmed-ef. Adilović.

The Mufti also stated on this occasion that the event will include more than 60 diverse program contents, of which 29 are cultural, nine are religious and sports-related, eight are educational, and six are humanitarian.

The event was declared open by the Deputy President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Refik Lendo, who also addressed the gathering. He described the event as an opportunity to unite around common goals.

"The common goal in Bosnia and Herzegovina is to respect our tradition, culture, and to remember the fighters who gave their lives, both in defense against aggression and throughout the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina," emphasized Lendo.

He pointed out the importance of remembering those who brought Ajvatoivca back into the context of democratic processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly highlighting the role of the Islamic Community.

"Ajvatoivca shows how Ajvaz-dedo, in his time, while searching for water, took care of his people's well-being and his community. This reminds us to take care of our community and people so that they do not leave Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Lendo.

From this place, he sent a message that Bosniaks want to live together with other peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and emphasized what should be the focus of interstate communication and cooperation.

"We are sending a message of friendship to our neighbors in Serbia and Croatia, to discuss joint projects, instead of interfering in the property issues of the state and entities. We will agree in the Parliament of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina on what to do with state property and what should be given for use to the entities and municipalities. It is not good for Serbia, or even the international community, to be concerned with our internal organization," concluded Lendo.

This event, in addition to its religious significance, also has a cultural and educational character, and it is an example of how religious and secular needs of the population can be harmoniously reconciled, coexisting with full respect for the values of faith, tradition, and contemporary human needs.

"The Canton is, among other things, recognizable for this event. It has exceptional significance and for Bosniaks, it represents tradition, identity, knowledge, and spiritual elevation. It carries the message of Ajvaz Dedo and can be applied even today," said the Prime Minister of the Central Bosnia Canton, Tahir Lendo.

Saudin-ef. Lužić, the Choir of Elči Ibrahim-paša Madrasa, and the Vocal-Instrumental Ensemble "Forte" participated in the realization of the ceremonial program.

The central event of this year's manifestation will be held on Sunday, June 30, when, after the prayer at Ajvaz-dedo's rock, a ceremonial program will be held on the Ajvatoivca plateau.

Ajvatoivca is the largest pilgrimage site for Muslims in Europe and one of the oldest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, deeply rooted in the identity of Bosniaks. Today, it is a meeting place for tens of thousands of Muslims.