A modern cultural and religious complex in the area of the Mejlis of the Islamic Community of Čapljina, in the locality of Vrhovnik, was officially opened with the presence of numerous distinguished guests from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey, reports Anadolija.
It is a project that was co-financed by TIKA, donating funds for the renovation of the building previously purchased by the Mejlis. In addition, TIKA donated funds for the purchase of the complete inventory. It is a building that will have multiple uses, and which will in the future be the center of events in this part of Čapljina when it comes to Bosniaks.
“It’s hard to express in one sentence, but this is truly the realization of our dreams. A generational dream from the time of our return to the city of Čapljina. We have already considered in the past ten years which location in the Majlis area would be the one that would adequately answer all the questions. For all ages in the area of Čapljina. We have estimated that it is this location. When we say ‘Peak’, the word itself says a lot, not only for us, but also for the wider world. We know that this is a location where cultural and religious life took place for centuries to aggression. With this project, it continues. Thank God that this is a waqf location that no one will ever be able to step on and run over in this area. The building is substantial, as is the hall and everything that is planned to be built – a complex that will meet all the needs when it comes to all ages of Bosniaks in this area,” said imam Adem Efendi Šuta.
The ceremonial ribbon was cut by the former member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Šefik Džaferović, Mufti of Mostar, Salem Efendija Dedović, Deputy Chairman of TIKA, Mahmut Cevik, and Consul of Turkey in Mostar, Yasar Ergun.
“For almost twenty years, I often come to Bosnia and Herzegovina, working on development support projects for this country. I have visited many places, and today I am in Čapljina for the first time – a place of rich culture and identity. I am really very happy that our Bosniak friends got a place where will be able to preserve and build their identity. This cultural center, the opening of which we celebrated, will be an important place with a strong role and function in preserving and building Bosniak identity and passing it on to younger generations,” said Cevik.
He sent a message to the Bosniaks of Čapljina to be unique in the future and to cherish and preserve their traditions.
“Peoples exist together with their culture. A people without culture cannot survive, and you will preserve and develop your culture here, pass it on to new generations and thus strengthen the position of Bosniaks. I am really very honored to be here and I want to thank everyone who played a role and contributed to the realization of the project led by the former chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Šefik Džaferović,” added Cevik.
After the ceremony, the attendees broke the fast together and expressed their joy over the arrival of Eid.
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