Jewel of Ottoman architecture: After 125 years, tekke in Mostar has been restored
The Opijaca Tekke in Mostar, one of the oldest examples of Ottoman architecture on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), has once again shone in its full glory after 125 years.
This significant structure dates from the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century, and will reopen its doors to the faithful on April 26th, with a ceremonial opening scheduled for the second day of the “Waqf Days 2025” event, announced the Islamic Community of BiH.
With the cooperation of the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in BiH, the Muftiate of Mostar, the Majlis of the Islamic Community of Mostar, and the General Directorate of Foundations of the Republic of Turkiye, the restoration project laid the foundation for the preservation of this cultural treasure.
The total value of the restoration works amounted to around four million BAM, and during the restoration, special attention was paid to the authenticity of the structure.
The tekke covers 350 square meters, and its uniqueness is reflected in the interior wooden dome and the authentic stone roof. During reconstruction, all key elements of the building were restored: the kitchen (mutvak), hallway, semahane for performing prayer and dhikr, turbe, mihrab, mahfils, and male and female ablution areas.
The first conservation works on this historical site were carried out back in 2005, while more intensive works began in 2023. Throughout its rich history, the tekke has witnessed many changes, providing refuge and spiritual support to generations of Mostar residents.
The Waqf Directorate, together with the Muftiate of Mostar and Majlis of the Islamic Community of Mostar, with this project not only restored a historical building but also returned the trust of the waqif – that waqfs serve the community.
In doing so, the names and deeds of ancestors are revived, and today’s generation confirms that it knows how to preserve the heritage and responsibly build the future, the statement said.
“We can be proud to be part of a generation that restores the landmarks of our history – a testimony of our continuity and rich cultural heritage,” said the Director of the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in BiH, Senaid Zajimovic.
According to historical sources, the Opijaca Tekke is first mentioned in the waqfnama of Ibrahim-aga Saric. It was built on a location known as Opijacevina, and over generations, it was managed by members of the Opijaca family, who left a deep mark on the spiritual life of the city.
AA
