Bosnia and Herzegovina conducts archaeological work and intends to excavate the ruins of a 16th century Ottoman mosque.
The Kalin Haci Ali Mosque, one of the oldest in the capital Sarajevo, was built in the classical Ottoman style in 1535. However, it collapsed for unknown reasons during the Yugoslav period in 1947, and its ruins lay buried for decades.
After the research, the archaeological site with the ruins of the mosque will open as an archaeological park. In addition, the site will also feature visual materials and information showing the condition of the mosque before its demolition. The archaeological park will feature buildings from the Ottoman era. Senaid Zajimovic, director of the Islamic Union Foundations Administration, told Anadolu:
There are many similar structures in Sarajevo. A total of 30 structures were demolished after the Ottomans left the region. We want to revitalise these areas, present them to the public, and preserve our rich history and culture. We want to share it with our people.
The administration of the Islamic Union of Bosnia funds is conducting archaeological work, which may soon come to an end. Also, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has also supported the project launched in 2018.
Architects Narcisa Bašić Gaković and Selva Karacevic Kapić are working with their team on a project to excavate the ruins of the mosque. According to Gakovic, they plan to complete the work in August. Gaković said:
We aim to make visitors experience what it was like to live in the Ottoman era and introduce this sacred area. The works are progressing in a disciplined manner according to our plans.
More than 20 Ottoman mosques, including the Kalin Haji Ali Mosque, saw their destruction or demolition in Sarajevo during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then Yugoslavia, which ruled after the Ottoman Empire left the region.
