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BiH Atlas
Religious SitesGazi Husrev-begova džamija u Sarajevu

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Built in 1530, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is the largest historical mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the center of the city’s Islamic community. It is a prime example of Classical Ottoman architecture, known for its complex multi-domed design and majestic minaret.

National Monument since 2004Federation of BiH
Where
Sarajevo (Stari Grad), Sarajevo Canton
Built
1530 (16th Century)
Architect
attributed to Acem Esir Ali
Materials
Stone, Lead, Fine plaster

History

The mosque represents the classical architectural school of Istanbul, with a central square prayer space flanked by side spaces (tetime) covered by smaller domes. Its interior features elegant calligraphy and stone-carved mihrab and minbar. It forms the heart of the historic Baščaršija bazaar and has been repaired multiple times, retaining its spiritual and cultural significance.

Key facts

  • ◆Financed by Gazi Husrev-beg, the Ottoman governor of Bosnia who transformed Sarajevo.
  • ◆Often described as the first mosque in the world to receive electric lighting, in 1898; the claim is widely repeated but not documented in a primary source.
  • ◆Features a main dome 26 meters high and an imposing 47-meter-tall minaret.
  • ◆Includes a madrasa, library, clock tower (Sahat Kula), and a public fountain (šadrvan) in the courtyard.
  • ◆Often described as the first mosque in the world with electric lighting (1898); the claim is widely repeated but not documented in a primary source.
  • ◆The main dome is 26 meters high and 13 meters in diameter, flanked by smaller semi-domes and vaults.
  • ◆Its minaret stands at a towering height of 47 meters.
  • ◆The interior features beautiful, highly complex Islamic calligraphy and geometric stone carving.
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.