SIGNIFICANT JUBILEE 400 years of Behram-beg Madrasa: A symbol of knowledge, upbringing and continuity

(Patria) - Four centuries of existence of one of the most important educational institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina testify to the continuity of knowledge, spirituality and values that transcend time.

From its founding to the present day, the Behram-beg Madrasa in Tuzla has withstood various historical challenges, preserving its mission and adapting to the times, without losing its essence. It is precisely this ability to endure and renew that makes it one of the most important symbols of education and cultural continuity in this region.

The beginning of the work of the Behram-beg Madrasa in Tuzla dates back to the first quarter of the 17th century, as the first written record of its work and existence is based on relevant historical sources from 1626.

This makes it the oldest educational institution in northeastern Bosnia and among the oldest madrasas in our region. In January 1949, its work was banned, and after a 44-year hiatus, the Behram-beg Madrasa reactivated its work in 1993.

– The spirituality, determination and sincerity of the Tuzla great Behram-beg, accompanied by material potency, but also sharp-mindedness, insightfulness and a sense for the needs of his people, is confirmed by the centuries-long existence of the Madrasa as a center of spiritual, intellectual and cultural life of Tuzla and the wider surroundings. According to available knowledge, a significant number of the Madrasa's graduates from the first period grew into excellent alims, valuable, moral and capable individuals in general, who each in their own way, in the conditions that accompanied their time, contributed to their society and homeland – said Dr. Admir Muratović, director of the Behram-beg Madrasa, for the MINA Agency.

The permanent goals and tasks of the Madrasa are constant, Director Muratović pointed out, and they do not differ much even in the new period of its operation.

– To educate a young person as well as possible, to enable them to acquire a wide range of knowledge and skills, to make them capable of continuing their education, i.e., meeting the needs of their community, with unquestionable support through proper upbringing, colored by spirituality – said Director Muratović.

We are of the opinion that the Madrasa, he adds, along with all our other schools and institutes, occupies an extremely important place in the education and upbringing of young people. Its alumni successfully study at various faculties in the country and abroad, but also themselves participate in the educational process in schools, primary and secondary, and work as lecturers at various faculties.

– The effort to adequately respond to the increasingly strong, progressive, ruthless and diverse challenges that young people today face or will face is an ongoing process. Certainly, there is no special formula for that, no method that a priori promises success; effort must be invested to find it, to reach it, and each time anew. Therefore, we will not tire in searching for ways to direct students' energy and interests towards the right values, those primordial ones, which have no alternative – said Director Muratović.

Finally, Director Muratović said that by respecting and critically analyzing current life trends, different perceptions of things, priorities, goals and life in general, they will not allow the Madrasa to lose what constitutes its essence, what makes it a school of character as it is, and that is the unreserved symbiosis of proper upbringing, additionally motivated by religious principles, and top-notch knowledge.