With the solemn laying of stone foundations, the construction of Arnaudija, will begin today.
The Vakuf Islamic Community Directorate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through its partner, Turkish General Security Directorate, provided the necessary funds for funding the works on the moque, which was on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
About 150 guests are invited to the ceremony of laying the foundation stone for the reconstruction of Arnaudija Mosque in Banja Luka on the 22nd of April, as confirmed by Mufti of Banja Luka Osman ef. Kozlic, who added that it will not be a big gathering, but they want to mark the beginning of construction of this Banja Luka mosque that was destroyed during the war.
“This is the last mosque that was destroyed in Banja Luka in the war and still has no foundations and it is important to start with that work and that is the reason why this means a lot,” said ef. Kozlic, noting that Arnaudija represents a historical monument in the same range as Ferhadija mosque or Aladza mosque in Foca, and with its construction, the Islamic community will complete the process of reconstruction of these facilities of special importance.
Arnaudija dated from 1595, it was 16 years “younger” than Ferhadija mosque in Banja Luka and its reconstruction will be financed by the Directorate General of Waqf of the Republic of Turkey.
“Right after laying the foundation stone, which will take place on the 22nd of April, we will start with works. The renovation will last for about three years since this is an object of special importance,” stated Mufti of Banja Luka.
He also added that they are planning restoration of the clock tower as well, which was located near the Ferhadija in Banja Luka before it was destroyed in 1993.
Mufti of Banja Luka also said that the security aspect is satisfactory, and Bosniaks returnees in Banja Luka, as well as all other citizens of BiH, are sharing the fate of the current economic situation.
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