Culture minister Ersoy emphasizes unity at mosque ceremony in Bosnia

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy underlined the historical ties between Türkiye and the Balkans at the ceremony organized to mark the reconstruction of the Arnaudiye Mosque in, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Emphasizing Ankara's determination to support peace and stability in the region, Ersoy underlined the importance of the Balkans in their common destiny.

Historic ties between Türkiye and Balkans

Ersoy expressed his happiness to be in Bosnia and Herzegovina and stated that the Balkans are of special importance to him.

Symbol of unity

Noting that the construction of the mosque has been meticulously completed, Ersoy said, “As our President (Recep Tayyip Erdogan) stated at the opening of the Bascarsija Mosque in Sarajevo, ‘mosques symbolize unity between people and foster brotherhood among Muslims.’ I hope that the Arnaudiye Mosque will further promote peace and tolerance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where different cultures and beliefs live together in harmony.”

Expressing his gratitude to President Erdogan and the Turkish people, he said: “I would like to thank President Erdogan and the Turkish people for their continuous support to Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

'It was a mistake'

President of the Republika Srpska (RS) of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik, who is often on the agenda with his separatist statements, described what happened 30 years ago as a “mistake” and said that they disapproved of the destruction of places of worship.

Dodik expressed his gratitude to Türkiye and other institutions that contributed to the mosque's reconstruction, emphasizing the importance of ensuring peace and equal rights for all.

The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Serb Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljka Cvijanovic, President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbas and  President of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina Husein Kavazovic, among others.

Their presence underscored the importance of the Arnaudiye Mosque as a symbol of unity and cooperation between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Arnaudiye Mosque, also known as the Defterdar Mosque, suffered extensive damage during the Bosnian War. Built in 1595, toward the end of the 16th century, the Arnaudia Mosque is considered the sister mosque of the Farhadiye Mosque, located a short distance away. Both mosques suffered a similar tragic fate and were targeted and destroyed in the early hours of May 7, 1993.

Despite extensive investigations, the perpetrators behind the demolition have never been identified. To commemorate the destruction of these two iconic mosques of Banja Luka, May 7 is commemorated as the Day of Mosques in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Türkiye remains steadfast in support

The mosque was meticulously restored to its original state under the supervision of the General Directorate of Foundations. Its reconstruction was made possible thanks to a protocol signed between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016, followed by extensive archival research and archaeological excavations.

Source: AA