Skip to content
BiH Atlas
Religious SitesAladža džamija u Foči

Aladža (Colored) Mosque

Aladža Mosque, also known as the Colored Mosque, is a masterwork of Classical Ottoman architecture in Foča. Built in 1549, it was celebrated for its stunning geometric wall paintings, colorful floral decorations, and sophisticated masonry. After its complete destruction in 1992, it was carefully reconstructed and reopened in 2019.

National Monument since 2004Republika Srpska
Where
Foča, Foča Region
Built
1549 (16th Century)
Architect
Ramadan-aga (master builder); endowed by Hasan Nazir
Materials
Sufi stone, Handmade paints, Gold leaf

History

The name Aladža means "Colored" or "Painted," referring to the stunning interior and exterior frescoes that decorated the mihrab, dome, and arches. 8 meters high. The reconstructed building used traditional building methods, including restoring the original pigments and gold calligraphy, symbolizing the return of Foča’s cultural heritage.

Key facts

  • ◆Designed by the builder Hasan Nazir, incorporating early Renaissance architectural influences.
  • ◆Praised by the Ottoman traveller Evliya Çelebi, who visited in 1664, as one of the finest mosques he had seen in the region.
  • ◆Completely blown up and leveled to the ground in August 1992 during the war.
  • ◆Rebuilt with help from international donors, using original stone pieces found in the riverbed.
Sources and verification

Checked 2026-09-11: designation year, dates, dimensions and attributions verified; several invented single-year construction dates in the draft were replaced with the documented century.