On Friday, the center and mosque of the Bosnian Cultural Center – BKZ Klagenfurt – were officially inaugurated.
Before the ceremony itself, the imam of the congregation, Adnan Effendi Gobeljic, and the envoy of the Reis-ul-ulema – the Mufti of Bihac, Hafiz Mehmed Effendi Kudic – together with representatives of the religious communities of Klagenfurt, as well as political representatives of the Austrian state of Carinthia, planted a tree of peace and coexistence as a symbol of unity and mutual respect in the city.
During the ceremonial program, speeches emphasized the importance of this project for Muslims in Klagenfurt, who are recognized in society as good citizens, believers, and representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), that is, members of the Islamic Community in BiH.
Gobeljic highlighted the value that Muslims from BiH bring to the societies in which they live.
“That Bosnian spirit, which we are proud of and carry in our consciousness, hearts, and, above all, spread wherever we are, is a reason for us to view the world in all its breadth.
That BiH spirit, rooted in the Qur’anic-Sunnah narrative, requires from us that we think the best of people as God’s creations and do good to them, freed from any kind of hatred,” said Gobeljic.
He also recalled the role of the first imam of the congregation, Sulejman Effendi Sabanovic, who unfortunately passed away before witnessing this ceremony.
As the greatest benefactor, the honor of opening the mosque was given to Samir Bacic.
Mufti Kudic also addressed those present, conveying greetings and congratulations from the Reis-ul-ulema Husein Effendi Kavazovic. Among other things, he reminded that it is especially important for Bosniaks in the diaspora not to forget who they are, to teach their children the Bosnian language, Islam, and to connect them to the congregation.
“For if they do not know where they come from, they will lose both themselves and their foundation,” said the mufti.
He extended special thanks to the friendly state, the Republic of Austria, for everything it has done and continues to do for our people.
“In the difficult war years, when many European countries imposed visas for citizens of BiH, Austria did not. It did not close its doors, but opened them, both heart and home.
Austria was with us when it was hardest for us and has remained with us to this day. We do not forget that,” added Mufti Kudic.
Member of the state parliament Daniel Fellner said in his speech that he is pleased a beautiful center has been built, bright and open, which is a sign of long-term work through joint meetings, which he calls true integration.
Among others, Hans Peter Premur from the Catholic Church and Manfred Sauer, Superintendent of the Evangelical Church, also addressed those present, noting their personal impressions of people from BiH.
They conveyed that “the world has been entrusted to our hands, and it is up to us to shape it together. We all come from the same root, and that root leads to one, only God.”
The new center, in addition to mosque facilities, contains social and educational spaces: a hall decorated in traditional BiH style, a meeting room, a restaurant, youth rooms, and other functional facilities.
This project is the result of fourteen years of continuous work, from the purchase of land and premises to the official opening and the magnificent appearance of the center in Klagenfurt.
