LOCATION / AREA
Old Town
SIGHTSEEING LABEL
Religion, History
DISTANCE FROM AIRPORT
8.4km
DISTANCE FROM SARAJEVO BUS STATION
2.7km
Distance from the center
1.5km
NEAREST PUBLIC TRANSPORT STATION
Tram station Bašcaršija - 87m
A small, centrally located, and impressive mosque.
Bosna Hersek e gelen herkesin uğradığı Saraybosna kentinin kalbi başçarşıda meşhur köfteden tadmak ve ve boşnakmkahvesini içirmek iyi olur.
The main hall is only open during prayer times. Until dawn, the imam opens the door. After prayer, you have to leave the prayer hall.
Right in the heart of Baščaršija—Sarajevo’s center—stands a magnificent mosque that seems to embody the very soul of the bazaar. Built by Hoca Durak in 1527, this five-century-old structure was repaired following a fire in 1697 and most recently restored by the Republic of Türkiye’s General Directorate of Foundations, reopening for worship in 2021. Upon entering, one immediately senses its octagonal layout, simple yet striking architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. The dome and interior, in particular, have been beautifully renewed through the latest restoration. Right next to the mosque lies the historic Sebilj Fountain, surrounded by a bustling bazaar, coppersmiths, and Bosnian coffee shops. Exploring the area and enjoying some Bosnian *börek* after prayers is a delight in itself. Do not leave Sarajevo without visiting this place; it is a site of immense spiritual and historical value.
It is not known, exactly, when the mosque was built, but a manuscript from 1528 mentions a neighborhood around Havadža Durak Masjid, so the mosque must have been built before that year.
Baščaršija Mosque has one main dome and an open portico which is covered by smaller cupolas, and there’s the adjacent stone minaret.
While the courtyard of the mosque is not very large, it’s quite pretty and is like a little oasis in the center of Baščaršija, with its small fountain, roses and two tall poplar trees.
The mosque was badly damaged during the last war (1992-1995), after which it underwent major reconstruction. Baščaršija Mosque was named a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2006.
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