Arnaudija Mosque Explained

Arnaudija Mosque
Map Type:Bosnia and Herzegovina
Map Size:225px
Map Relief:yes
Religious Affiliation:Sunni Islam
Location:Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Festivals:-->
Organizational Status:-->
Architecture Type:Mosque
Year Completed:1595
Date Destroyed:-->
Dome Quantity:1
Minaret Quantity:1
Elevation Ft:-->

Arnaudija Mosque (Bosnian: Arnaudija džamija), is a large mosque in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The mosque was destroyed by the Army of Republika Srpska on 1993 but was rebuilt and reopened in 2024.[1] [2] Arnaudija is designated National Monument, by the Commission to Preserve National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina.[3]

History

The mosque was built in 1595 under Hasan Defterdar, finance minister of the Eyalet of Bosnia.

The mosque was demolished by explosives on May 7, 1993, by the Serb militia during the Bosnian War. The demolition was organized by the authorities of the Republika Srpska which included the demolition of the entire Arnaudija mosque complex and Ferhadija mosque complex that were approximately 800m (2,600feet) distance from each other. Both mosques were destroyed in the same night just within the time frame of 15 minutes.

One of the Serbs leaders from Banja Luka, Radoslav Brđanin was convicted for his part in organizing the ethnic cleansing of the non-Serbs and destruction of the properties of Muslims, including mosques. Radoslav Brđanin was sentenced to a single sentence of 32 years of imprisonment. The reconstruction of Arnaudija mosque started in April 2017 and is expected to finish in 2024.[4] [5] [6]

The mosque officially reopened in May 2024.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www25.brinkster.com/bluka/dzamije.htm Banja Luka u Snu
  2. News: Stojanovic . Milica . 8 May 2024 . Landmark Bosnian War-Demolished Mosque Reopens in Republika Srpska . 10 May 2024 . Balkan Insight.
  3. Web site: Arnaudija mosque (site and remains of architectural ensemble) . old.kons.gov.ba . Commission to preserve national monuments . 20 June 2022 . Sarajevo . 7 July 2003.
  4. Web site: Ambasador Turske u BiH obišao radove na banjalučkoj Arnaudiji. 13 October 2020.
  5. Web site: Izvještaj sa gradilišta: Arnaudija u Banja Luci. 18 April 2021.
  6. Web site: Mjesečni izvještaj: Stanje reizgradnje Arnaudije u Banjaluci. 7 July 2021.