His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, sent a message with sincere congratulations on the occasion of the opening of the Ferhadija Mosque.
“I am very pleased to send my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the opening of the Ferhadija Mosque. It represents an outstanding success and a huge tribute to the skill, dedication and endless patience of all those who have contributed to the process of tireless restoration. For centuries, this historic building was one of the most important examples of Islamic architecture in Europe. Its characteristics of classical Ottoman style, based on timeless, universal proportions of geometry and space, serve as a constant reminder of lasting cultural dialogue between Islam and Christianity. Brutal destruction of the Ferhadija Mosque in 1993 was a tragic example of what can happen when communities are deliberately encouraged to forget their common heritage and to, instead, focus on the differences between them. However, reconstruction is a remarkable and powerful indicator of how communities, which were separated from one another by unseen barbarism and suffering, can support each other on long road to reconciliation. I am greeting everyone who had the courage to support this noble act and let the Almighty God bless this place and all its people,” as stated in the message from the Prince of Wales, according to the British Embassy in BiH.
The statement said that His Royal Highness has been tied to BiH and the region for long time. He opened the rebuilt bridge in Mostar on the 23rd of July 2004 and he recently visited Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo. His Majesty supported the reconstruction of the Ferhadija Mosque from the beginning.
British Ambassador to BiH, Edward Ferguson, attended the opening of the Ferhadija Mosque in Banja Luka.
(Source: klix.ba)
