Bijeljina Mosque Reopens, Symbolizing Renewal and Coexistence

Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, celebrated the reopening of the Preljubovića–Dašnica mosque on September 13, 2026. This mosque was one of five in the city destroyed during the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mevlud-ef. Dudić, President of the Islamic Community Meshihat in Serbia, attended as a representative for Husein-ef. Kavazović, the Rais-ul-ulema.

Mufti Dudić reflected on the shared history of Muslims and Orthodox Christians in the region. He emphasized the importance for new generations to learn from the past. He noted that when the mosque was rebuilt in 1979, many Serbs from Semberija contributed. He also recalled Muslim Hanumica Osmanbegović, who donated land for an Orthodox church. Dudić stated such examples show that people of different faiths can coexist and support each other's sacred places.

The mosque's reopening is part of a larger rebuilding effort for Bijeljina's mosques, which started in late 2002. The Muftijstvo Tuzlansko, led by Mufti Vahid-ef. Fazlović, has consistently supported these projects. Mufti Fazlović highlighted the power of good deeds and persistence. He called the event a major success for Bijeljina's Muslim community and all good people. He acknowledged that Orthodox neighbors also helped in the reconstruction after the mosques were destroyed.

Samir-ef. Camić, Chief Imam of the Islamic Community Council Bijeljina, confirmed this was the fourth mosque reopened in Bijeljina city and the ninth in the wider area. He spoke about the challenges of securing funds and overcoming obstacles, praising the community's dedication. Emir Musli, President of the Islamic Community Council Bijeljina, thanked the many donors and volunteers. He stressed that the current Muslim population, though smaller, remains guardians of their faith and homeland.

Over 100 donors contributed to the mosque's reconstruction, along with many benefactors and volunteers. Awards were presented to key donors during the event. Jasmin Ahmetović received a plaque for his significant support. He shared childhood memories of the mosque and his grandfather's assurance that a new one would rise after its destruction. Ahmetović emphasized the natural human impulse to help one's community and faith.

Imam Damir-ef. Čokić explained this marked the mosque's "third birth." The first mosque was built in 1905, followed by a new one in 1979 on its original foundations. It was then destroyed on March 13, 1993, during the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina. After 33 years, the call to prayer can once again be heard from the renovated Dašnica mosque. The ceremony concluded with prayers, a ribbon-cutting, and the first noon prayer.