Renovated Šarena Mosque to be officially opened in Tuzla today

(Patria) - As part of the "Days of Waqf in BiH" event, the renovated Behram-beg Mosque, also known as the Šarena Mosque, one of the most important cultural and historical symbols of Tuzla, will be officially opened today.

The opening ceremony will be held at Trg slobode (Freedom Square) starting at 12:00.

The ceremony will be attended by high representatives of the Islamic Community in BiH, the General Directorate of Foundations of the Republic of Turkey, as well as officials from state institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The reconstruction of the mosque is the result of cooperation between the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in BiH and the General Directorate of Foundations of Turkey, based on a protocol signed back in 2017.

The citizens of Tuzla have witnessed the careful restoration of this national monument for months.

The mosque is located on a slight elevation in the Atik Mahala neighborhood and is first mentioned in written sources in 1548, although it is assumed to have been built around 1533.

The founder of the building is unknown, but at the beginning of the 17th century, Behram-beg established his waqf, which includes the renovation of the Časna Mosque and the construction of a madrasa.

The madrasa was first mentioned in 1674 in the writings of Bishop Olovčić.

- According to this data, Behram-beg renovated the mosque between 1669 and 1701, and near it there were also a mekteb and a madrasa - explained Elmedin Avdibašić, senior expert associate for waqfs at the Medžlis of the Islamic Community Tuzla.

The mosque, madrasa, and mekteb were destroyed in a great fire that hit Tuzla in 1871. On its foundations, a new building was constructed in 1888 in a pseudo-Moorish style, which combines traditional architecture with Oriental and Western influences.

The relief and painted decoration stands out in particular, being one of the most beautiful in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the current renovation, the mosque has been restored to its authentic appearance from 1888, including the dome and porch that were previously removed. The restoration also included strengthening the foundations and a detailed refreshment of the interior and exterior decoration.

The Behram-beg Mosque is a symbol of spirituality and cultural identity of Tuzla, and its reopening will be an opportunity to highlight the importance of restoring waqf properties and the continuous work of the Islamic Community in preserving the cultural and historical heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina.