Sultan Ahmed Mosque - a national monument that has preserved the spirit of the old Zenica bazaar for centuries

(Patria) - Kurban- Bayram in Bosnian and Herzegovinian bazaars has always been more than a holiday. It is a time of togetherness, encounters, and preserving tradition.

Precisely such an atmosphere lives on today at the Sultan Ahmed - Čaršijska Mosque in Zenica, a national monument that has preserved the spirit of the old bazaar for centuries, writes FTV.

In the heart of the city lies Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as Čaršijska Mosque - a place that especially comes alive during Kurban- Bayram, gathering believers.

Because, kurban in its original meaning in Arabic symbolizes bringing people closer to each other.

- In accordance with the word kurban, our friends, relatives, loved ones, during the general celebration, should feel our closeness, and that closeness should be transferred to the entire rest of the year - says the imam of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Zenica, Enes ef. Beganović.

There is no exact date that testifies to the time of construction of this mosque, but despite that, it holds a special place among the nine national monuments of Zenica and our country today.

Its recognizable architecture and authentic details are particularly evident during the Bayram days.

- It is carved in stone on the minaret of the Sejmen Mosque that the Čaršijska Mosque was renovated in 912 AH, or 1506/1507 AD - states Muhamed ef. Bilčević, assistant to the chief imam of the Islamic Community Zenica.

- I often tell tourists that the mosque itself is built from three natural materials - wood, stone, and wool, because the carpet is made of real wool, so a person inside the mosque feels warm in that natural ambiance - says Afan Abazović, a mountaineering and tourist guide.

The Sultan Ahmed Madrasa was built next to it - the oldest educational institution in the area of central Bosnia.

In its immediate vicinity today is the Sultan Ahmed Islamic Center, opened two years ago, which gives this part of Zenica a new and modern face, while preserving the spirit of tradition and historical heritage.

- An integral part of the Sultan Ahmed complex is also the Hadži Mazića house, which is today the administrative seat of the Zenica Mufti's office - adds ef. Bilčević.

Through the centuries, cities, people, and times have changed, but the message of Kurban- Bayram has remained the same - solidarity, closeness, and readiness to sacrifice for others.

That is precisely why places like the Čaršijska Mosque still hold special value today.