The Remains of Sisman Ibrahim Pasha Mosque in Pocitelj

Pocitelj is one of the most beautiful cities of Oriental and Mediterranean culture, located in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This architectural pearl is unique since it was built exclusively in stone and in a way which is characteristic only for this region.

Image above: The Sisman Ibrahim Pasha Mosque / Photo by Kenan Surkovic © Copyright Islamic Arts Magazine

The most famous is Sisman Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, built in the mid-16th century. This mosque is one of the models for the single dome mosques in the Balkans. Unfortunately, during the aggression on Bosnia and Herzegovina, in between 1992-1996, the mosque and the entire city were badly damaged by the Croatian army. The parts of the mosque were completely destroyed like a central dome, two smaller domes, and a minaret. After the war, the mosque and the town were restored.

Pocitelj is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Particularly interesting is that the remains of the demolished mosque are exposed on the plateau in front of the mosque. They are a testimony to a great mastery of the old builders and nevertheless a witness of the barbarism in not so distant past of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Tower of Pocitelj / Photo by Kenan Surkovic © Islamic Arts Magazine