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Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: A Jewel of Ottoman Sarajevo

Explore Sarajevo's iconic 16th-century mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and a symbol of Bosnian Islamic heritage.

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The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, built in 1531, stands as the largest historical mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a magnificent example of Ottoman architecture in the heart of Sarajevo. Its grand dome, ornate minaret, and intricate calligraphy draw visitors into a world of rich history and cultural significance.

A brief summary to Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting; cover shoulders and knees. Women should bring a headscarf to cover their heads out of respect.
  • Visit outside of prayer times to respectfully observe the mosque's interior and avoid disrupting worshippers.
  • Explore the surrounding Gazi Husrev-beg complex, including the Kuršumli Madrasa and the Gazi Husrev-Beg Museum.
  • Take a stroll around Baščaršija, the old bazaar, to experience the historic atmosphere and traditional crafts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is located in the heart of Sarajevo's Baščaršija. From the Sebilj fountain, walk east along Sarači Street. The mosque will be on your left, a short walk from the fountain. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Sarajevo's main train or bus station, take tram line 1 or 3 towards Baščaršija. Get off at the Baščaršija stop. Walk east along Sarači Street, and the mosque will be on your left. A single tram ticket costs 1.80 BAM.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Sarajevo. A taxi from the Sarajevo International Airport to the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque will cost approximately 20 BAM. The journey takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. From other parts of the city center, expect to pay around 5-10 BAM.

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Discover more about Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Located in Sarajevo's old bazaar, Baščaršija, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is the most significant architectural monument from the Ottoman era in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Built in 1531, the mosque represents the pinnacle of classical Ottoman architectural style in Sarajevo. It was commissioned by Gazi Husrev-beg, a notable Ottoman governor, and designed by Adžem Esir Ali, a Persian architect from Tabriz. The mosque complex extends beyond the main prayer hall to include a maktab (primary school), a madrasa (secondary school), a bezistan (vaulted marketplace), and a hammam (public bathhouse). The mosque's architecture features a large central dome, a half-dome extending towards the qiblah direction, and two smaller side domes. Inside, the mosque is adorned with intricate wooden panels, decorative paintings, and calligraphy featuring verses from the Quran. The 45-meter minaret dominates the city skyline, while the courtyard offers a serene space with a marble fountain. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque outside of prayer times, with modest dress required (covering shoulders and knees, and women asked to cover their heads). The courtyard includes the tombs of Gazi Husrev-beg and other notable Bosnian leaders. The complex also houses a clock tower (Sahat-kula) displaying lunar time and ablution rooms used for ritual washing since 1530. The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is not only a religious monument but also a community center, hosting educational programs and fostering interfaith understanding. It was the first mosque in the world to receive electric illumination in 1898.

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