Description of the attraction
The Imperial Mosque, the oldest in the city, is located near the embankment, named after the founder of Sarajevo, Obal Isa-bey Iskhakovich. In the middle of the 15th century, he was appointed Pasha of the Bosnian Pashalyk, the center of which was the newly formed city. On the left bank of the Miljacka Pasha built himself a palace, as well as a mosque, a public bath and an inn.
The mosque was built among the first buildings, since the ruler of that time, Sultan Murad II, was famous for his piety. The first wooden version of the mosque did not last long. The irreconcilable fighter against Turkish rule, the ruler of the Serbian despotism Vuk Brankovic burned most of Sarajevo, including the mosque. In 1527, it was rebuilt - larger, made of stone, with wall paintings and stucco moldings. It was during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, in honor of him the mosque was named Imperial. In those centuries, there was a madrasah at the mosque, meetings of city residents were held, Muslim pilgrims found shelter. Later, in 1566, Suleiman the Magnificent ordered the construction of a gallery covered with smaller domes.
At the beginning of the 19th century, side walls were added to the mosque, through which one could also get into the main hall. And the gallery surrounding the courtyard was surrounded by walls. And today the Imperial Mosque is a large complex of three buildings - in the classical architectural style, religious buildings of the Ottoman period. The prayer hall with a domed roof opens onto a rectangular courtyard. It houses an ancient Muslim cemetery. The interestingly decorated ancient tombstones of high-ranking Muslims - religious leaders, muftis and viziers - have preserved the Arabic script. A high minaret is attached to the main building.
In 1983, the oldest mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina underwent restoration. All decoration was completely restored - frescoes and mosaics.
Despite being in demand as a tourist attraction, the mosque is still in operation and is closed to visitors during prayer.
In the prayer hall, according to Islam, there are no icons, statues, etc., but the room looks beautiful - with wall paintings and floor carpets. The only requirement for female tourists is adherence to the dress code.
