Historic Dugalica Mosque rebuilt in Bosnia with Turkish support
The historic Dugalica Mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been fully reconstructed with the support of Türkiye, restoring one of the region’s most significant Ottoman-era cultural landmarks nearly three decades after its destruction during the Bosnian War.
The reconstruction project, led by Türkiye’s General Directorate of Foundations of Türkiye, began in 2023 and has now been completed, with the official inauguration scheduled for April 26 as part of Bosnia’s “Vakif Days” events.
Restoring a 16th-Century Ottoman Heritage Site
Originally built in 1515 by Hacı Velijudin Bakrac, the mosque was considered one of the oldest and most distinctive Islamic structures in the region. It was destroyed during the 1992–1995 Bosnian War and remained in ruins for decades.
The site, located in Nevesinje, also includes a historic clock tower that reflects Ottoman urban planning principles, where religious and civic structures formed an integrated urban identity.
Archaeological Precision and Reconstruction Efforts
Before reconstruction began, experts conducted detailed archaeological excavations and archival research to locate original foundation traces. Since the area had been used as a parking lot for years, identifying structural remains required careful analysis.
Engineers reinforced the recovered foundations and rebuilt the mosque using traditional architectural methods combined with modern restoration techniques to ensure structural stability while preserving historical authenticity.
A Broader Cultural Complex Restored
The restoration project extended beyond the mosque itself, reviving a full complex that includes a school building, ablution facilities, and the adjacent clock tower.
The clock tower was structurally reinforced with internal steel support while damaged stone elements were carefully replaced with materials matching the original design.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Designated as a national monument in 2005 by Bosnia and Herzegovina, the mosque complex is considered an important part of the country’s multicultural heritage.
Officials emphasized that the project aims not only to restore a place of worship but also to revive collective historical memory and strengthen cultural ties between Bosnia and Türkiye.
The reopening of the mosque is expected to symbolize both historical continuity and international cooperation in heritage preservation.
