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All Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

The first mosque in the world to receive electricity.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Taylor
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The entrance to the historic mosque.   Julian Nitzsche/cc by-sa 3.0
The entrance to the historic mosque.   Julian Nitzsche/cc by-sa 3.0
The mosque.   donchili/cc by-sa 2.0
The well in front of the mosque.   tgiorno1 / Atlas Obscura User
Front door.   tgiorno1 / Atlas Obscura User
The view of the mosque from the alley.   tgiorno1 / Atlas Obscura User
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque   vasilisapremudra / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
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About

As you saunter through the Old Town of Sarajevo, it’s nearly impossible to miss this gorgeous mosque towering above the one-story surrounding structures. Its history is as fascinating as the building is beautiful. In fact, in 1898, the mosque became the first mosque in the world to receive electricity.

The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque was completed in the 16th century and features Ottoman architecture. To this day, the mosque remains one of the largest in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Its electrical first wasn’t the only interesting episode from the building’s past. During the Siege of Sarajevo (which lasted from April 1992 to February 1996), the Beg's mosque was an obvious target for air raids that sought to bombard major monuments of art and culture. As such, it sustained significant damaged; however, with donations from the international community, the mosque was rebuilt in 1996. While the exterior retains the Ottoman architecture, Bosnian calligrapher Hazim Numanagić redesigned the interior in 2001.

Today the mosque serves as the main congregational mosque of the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but tourists and guests are welcomed.

Related Tags

Mosques Electricity Technology

Know Before You Go

It's the heart of the city of Sarajevo, accessible by foot and nearby bus stop. For only one or two Euros, you can enter and explore this cultural icon of Sarajevo. Please remember to dress accordingly; head coverings are available at the ticket desk upon request.

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Community Contributors

Added By

tgiorno1

Edited By

Karaula, Kerry Wolfe, Collector of Experiences, vasilisapremudra

  • Karaula
  • Kerry Wolfe
  • Collector of Experiences
  • vasilisapremudra

Published

November 9, 2018

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  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gazi_Husrev-beg_Mosque
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Sarači 8
Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina
43.859183, 18.429194
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Nearby Places

Old Sarajevo Clock Tower

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

miles away

Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures

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miles away

Child's Tomb at Old St. Michael the Archangel Church

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Sarajevo

Sarajevo

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Places 17
Stories 1

Nearby Places

Old Sarajevo Clock Tower

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

miles away

Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

miles away

Child's Tomb at Old St. Michael the Archangel Church

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Sarajevo

Sarajevo

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Places 17
Stories 1

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