[wzslider autoplay=”true”]The reconstructed Ferhat Pasha’s Mosque in Banja Luka, better known as Ferhadija, will be officially opened today. The beauty of Banja Luka was built in 1579 and destroyed in 1993. Cornerstone for its reconstruction was laid in 2001.
People who wanted to attend the opening of Ferhadija started arriving in Banja Luka since early morning hours. According to the main Imam of the Majlis of Islamic Community Banja Luka Muhedin Effendi Spahić, the arrival of around 150 buses and a substantial number of minibuses, vans and passenger vehicles is expected.
The opening of Ferhadija will be attended by numerous delegations and high invitees from BiH and the world. Speakers at the opening ceremony will be the Prime Minister of Turkey Ahmet Davutoglu, Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Bakir Izetbegović, Reis ul-Ulema Husein Effendi Kavazović, Chairman of the BiH entity Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, former reis ul-ulema Mustafa Cerić and others.
The event is secured by more than 1.000 members of security agencies. So far, there are no problems and organization of the event is on a high level.
Official part of the ceremony began with the reading of Quran on a stage in front of Ferhadija. High invitees arrived and believers were taking their seats.
Among the first high invitees who arrived in Banja Luka are the Ambassador of the USA to BiH Maureen Cormack, Head of OSCE Mission to BiH Jonathan Moore, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Denis Zvizdić, Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Bakir Izetbegović, Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Željka Cvijanović, President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, member of the Presidency of BiH Mladen Ivanić, etc.
Invitees and all present believers were greeted by and welcomed by the Mufti of Banja Luka Osman Effendi Kozlić. He highlighted that reconstruction and opening of Ferhadija mean the return of this mosque to the city on the Vrbas River. Furthermore, Kozlić added that this is a day of joy for Muslims of Banja Luka, citizens of this city, and all those who came to this city today. Mufti thanked to all those who supported the reconstruction of Ferhadija, both foreign donors and domestic benefactors.
Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Bakir Izetbegović said that those who demolished the mosque wanted to exterminate the context of co-existence of different religions. He added that reconstruction of this mosque is a warning to all those who demolished it, reminding that all 16 mosques in Banja Luka were destroyed. Izetbegović expressed hope that the people of Banja Luka will accept the reconstructed mosque.
Jakob Finci, president of the Jewish Community in BiH, said that the reconstruction of Ferhadija is an example how everything can be done in unity and that this is the way people should live in this area.
The Bishop of Banja Luka Franjo Komarica stated that he firmly believes that people were all created by the same God and that people are obliged to be good to each other. The Episcope of Banja Luka of Banja Luka Jefrem also congratulated the opening of Ferhadija.
Prime Minister of Turkey Ahmet Davutoglu reminded of his statement that the mankind would survive even if all cities except Sarajevo were destroyed. Davutoglu visited the construction site of Ferhadija in the capacity of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2011, issuing an order that everything has to be done on behalf of Turkey to help the completion of reconstruction of this mosque. Davutoglu also added that Turkey was there when the Old Bridge in Mostar was being reconstructed, when Ferhadija in Banja luka was being reconstructed and that it will be there when the Aladža Mosque in Foča is reconstructed. “If someone asks us why we are here, we came for the beauty, brotherhood, for all people. We were here once, we are here now, and we will be here forever,” Davutoglu said.
Director of the Office of Religious Affairs of Turkey Mehmet Gormez also addressed the attendees. The Turkish agency TIKA is the greatest donor for the reconstruction of Ferhadija.
The last in the series of speakers to address the attendees was Reis ul-Ulema Husein Effendi Kavazović. He congratulated the opening of Ferhadija to everyone, saying that this is a joyful day for all the people. “Ferhadija was, is and will be the magnificent witness of faith in the unity of the Creator,” Kavazović said.
(Source: klix.ba)
