The Emperor's Mosque is an important landmark in Sarajevo, being the first mosque to be built (1457) after the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia. It is the largest single-subdome mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina, built in the classical Ottoman style of the era.

It was built by one Isaković-Hranušić who dedicated it to the Sultan, Mehmed the Conqueror, the conqueror of Constantinople. Considered one of the most beautiful mosques of the Ottoman period in the Balkans, the mosque features a roomy interior and high quality decorative details, such as the mihrab.

Damaged and totally destroyed at the end of that century, it was rebuilt in 1565 and dedicated this time to Suleyman the Magnificent. Side rooms were added in 1800 and connected to the central prayer area in 1848. Between 1980 and 1983 the painted decorations in the interior of the mosque were conserved and restored. The burial ground (graveyard) beside the Emperor's Mosque contains the graves of viziers, mullahs, muftis, sheikhs, the employees in the Emperor's Mosque, along with other prominent figures living in Sarajevo.

The mosque was damaged during World War II but mostly in the wars during the 1990s, and renovation work is pending.

The first settlements in Sarajevo were built around the mosque with the residence of the Sultan's representatives then being built next to the mosque. Isa-bey also built a hammam (public bath) and a bridge that led directly to the mosque. This bridge was disassembled during the Austro-Hungarian government and rebuilt just a few meters upstream where it still exists today.

On the other side of the river, he built a caravanserai. For the financing of these facilities, Isa-bey left a heritage of many shops, land and properties.

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Founded: 1457
Category: Religious sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Mus Ann (4 months ago)
Came here for Friday prayers. There is a dedicated women's section.
Asim Emre (5 months ago)
Quiet and peaceful mosque with a garden full of beautiful flowers. There are tables and chairs in the garden where you can have a rest and drink to recharge.
Hasan Aktan (6 months ago)
So peaceful. This mosque have a good ambiance and soft and cool atmosphere. If you been in Sarajevo you must go.
Mishkaah G (15 months ago)
I immediately felt at home and peaceful upon entering this stunning mosque. Built in honour of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, it was glorious to be able to visit this gem. The people were friendly, welcoming and kind. I felt no sense of nationalism here, just a beautiful brotherhood, and people from all over the world are able to happily pray together here. Women are able to pray in the back section. I could sit in this mosque and/or the lovely courtyard all day. You may relax over a cup of juice/coffee in the courtyard too. Can't wait to visit again!
Noemi G. (15 months ago)
The truly bad thing of this visit was just the bad weather. As for the rest, very beautiful mosque, very beautiful welcoming people and loving atmosphere.It deserves a quick visit as you come across, especially when sun goes down.
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