- Address: Obala Isa-bega Ishakovića, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Official page: islamskazajednica.ba;
- Built: in 1462 year.
One of the most ancient, but most interesting architectural, historical and religious sights of the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Sarajevo , is the Emperor's Mosque, open today not only for Muslims praying here, but also for tourists. Naturally, travelers are allowed inside only at a time when the supporters of Islam do not pray. The mosque is also called Tsarskoy, and in the Bosnian language it sounds like Careva Džamija.
Built almost 600 years ago
The mosque was erected in the distant 1462, when Sarajevo was part of the Ottoman Empire, and on the throne was Sultan Murad II, one of the most just and humane rulers of the empire in its history. It was during his "reign" that a lot was built: mosques, schools, palaces.
However, Vuk Brankovic, who seized power somewhat later, was a cruel tyrant, completely destroyed the city, including the mosque. It was rebuilt in 1527, when the throne was taken by another great ruler, Suleiman the First - an educated, knowledgeable craftsman and jeweler who strove to develop his state. With him, as well as under Murad II, a large number of structures of various types were built.
However, Suleiman was also a cruel tyrant who punished people for the slightest fault or simply with suspicion, even unconfirmed, of treason. By the way, the Imperial mosque was named after Suleiman.
Monument of Ottoman architecture
In its architecture, the Emperor's Mosque exactly corresponds to other similar religious buildings of its time.
Immediately before the entrance, a special place for ablution was created, because Muslims can not pray until they wash their feet and hands. By the way, it is for this reason that you must always take off your shoes before you pray.
Naturally, do not find inside any faces, because Islam prohibits such images. The walls of the mosque are decorated with paintings, murals, mosaics, and carpets are laid on the floor.
By the way, Muslim women also pray in the mosque, but in a separate room. Before entering this religious structure, they must close their bodies. It is allowed to leave open only the hands (to the hands) and face.
The last large-scale reconstruction of the mosque was carried out in 1983, during which internal and external decoration was restored. Also, reconstruction work was carried out several years ago, in order to repair the damage received by the structure in the mid-1990s, when a brutal war was in progress in the country.
How to get there?
Visiting mosque tourists can be any day, but except for the time when there are prayers. Women should strictly follow the dress code.
Find a mosque in Sarajevo is not a problem, the minaret is visible from afar. But to get to Bosnia and Herzegovina is not so simple. The problem is that there is no direct air communication with this country. Therefore, flying from Moscow, you will have to make transfers at major airports in Europe - Istanbul, Vienna or Berlin, depending on the chosen flight.
The option of direct flight is possible in the holiday season, when the tourist companies organize charters, but, of course, you can get on board only by purchasing a ticket.
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