In the Mosque of Sultan Abdul Aziz in Orasje yesterday was performed Eid prayer, and the citizens of Orasje welcomed this holiday in peace and joy, as it is 150 years long tradition in this mosque.
Since the International Conference on Kanlidza on the Bosphorus in 1862 arose problems for Muslims in then Principality of Serbia, who were expelled in the following period. After that, they inhabited the territory along the Bosna River and Sava River as well as villages along the Drina River. The former Sultan Abdul Aziz built two new settlements for expelled citizens, Gornja Azizija which is today’s Bosanski Samac and Donja Azizija which is today’s Orasje.
With the construction of settlement in Orasje, Azizija mosque was also built and it never bothered anyone nor did citizens who welcomed Eid together according to tradition of this place. Chief Imam of the Islamic community Orasje, Salim ef. Kanlic, said that believers visit the cemetery after the Eid and continue with celebration in their homes.
“This is a family holiday gathering and that is how the first day of Eid is celebrated. On the second day, we recite hatma prayer for martyrs and then visit the cemetery again. We had cultural and religious events in recent years, while this year it is not the case, but I believe we will have them again on Eid al Adha, or the New Hijri year,” said Kanlic.
Coexistence never stopped in Orasje, which is perhaps unique case in BiH. There were no discomforts nor national tensions in Orasje even during the recent war.
“When street names were supposed to be changed after the war, for the sake of compromise the citizens of Orasje agreed that the streets should be numbered, so that today they have names ‘First Street’, ‘Second Street’… Simply, they felt that there is no need to name them after any heroes nor writers,” added Kanlic.
Congratulations are inevitable after Eid prayers.
“Neighborly, friendly congratulations are usual for the holidays here, we are visiting each other. Many citizens even from Zupanja come here on Eid, and our citizens go over the Sava River for their holidays. We do not have institutional congratulations and receptions, but every holiday we call each other and congratulate the holidays,” said Kanlic.
According to the latest census from 2013, in Orasje live a total of 1,050 Muslims, 8,361 Catholics and 113 Orthodox Christians.
(Source: E. M./Klix.ba)
