Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

A historic mosque in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo

The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is a prominent Ottoman mosque located in the Baščaršija area of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is one of the most significant Islamic structures in the country and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture in the Balkans.

History

The mosque was commissioned by Gazi Husrev-beg, the Ottoman governor of Bosnia, in 1530. Gazi Husrev-beg was a key figure in the development of Sarajevo, and his contributions to the city include not only the mosque but also a madrasa, a hammam, and a bezistan. The mosque was designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, although some sources attribute its design to his contemporary, Acem Esir Ali.

Architecture

Interior dome of the mosque

The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is an exemplary model of classical Ottoman architecture. The mosque features a large central dome, flanked by smaller domes, and a single minaret. The interior is richly decorated with Islamic calligraphy and intricate arabesque patterns.

The mosque's courtyard includes a shadirvan, a fountain used for ritual ablutions. The mosque complex also houses a sahn, or open courtyard, which is surrounded by a riwaq, or colonnaded arcade.

Cultural Significance

Gazi Husrev-beg's mausoleum

The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and educational center. It has played a crucial role in the religious and social life of Sarajevo for centuries. The mosque is part of a larger complex that includes the Gazi Husrev-beg Library, which houses a significant collection of Islamic manuscripts and books.

Restoration and Preservation

Throughout its history, the mosque has undergone several restorations, particularly after suffering damage during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s. Efforts have been made to preserve its original architectural features while ensuring its structural integrity.

Gallery

• 
  Wide shot of the mosque during the call to prayer
• 
  View of the mosque from the street
• 
  Interior view of the mosque
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  Historical photograph of the mosque from 1900
• 
  Exterior view of the mosque
• 
  Another exterior view
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  The mosque at night

Related pages

• Ottoman architecture
• Sarajevo
• Gazi Husrev-beg
• Mimar Sinan