Cornerstone laid for reconstruction of Banja Luka’s Clock Tower, demolished in 1993

The director of the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein Salihovic, said this is one of the central events of this year’s programme, which is being held for the 14th time.

“The protocol on construction was signed in 2020, and since then, all involved parties have been working on fulfilling the necessary requirements, documentation, and permits. This is a facility of exceptional importance, a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina that long adorned Banja Luka. With today’s act, we are beginning its return,” Salihovic said.

He expressed special gratitude to the General Directorate of Waqfs of the Republic of Turkey, stressing that their presence and support since 2010 have been of immeasurable importance through the implementation of numerous projects.

The Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Waqfs of the Republic of Turkey, Suat Giray, said such projects contribute to preserving cultural heritage and strengthening ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey.

“We strive to preserve our heritage and pass it on to future generations through restoration. We have signed numerous cooperation protocols to preserve our shared heritage, and today’s Sahat Tower is one of the works that should be carefully protected,” Giray said.

The Mayor of Banja Luka, Drasko Stanivukovic, said the restoration of the Clock Tower carries a symbolic message.

“The people who respect their past can build a future. The Clock Tower has defied time for centuries, and it is up to us to build, create, and respect one another. It can become a symbol that reconnects us,” Stanivukovic said.

The Mufti of Banja Luka, Ismail Smajlovic, emphasized the spiritual and symbolic importance of the structure.

“The Clock Tower is a landmark in time and a reminder to people of how to manage their time and actions. We are pleased to begin another reconstruction and are grateful to all who contributed to bringing this project to realization,” Smajlovic said.

The reconstruction of the Clock Tower is being implemented based on a cooperation protocol signed in 2020 between the General Directorate of the Turkish Waqfs, the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the City of Banja Luka, and the Mufti Office of Banja Luka.

After years of preparations, the necessary permits have been obtained and administrative and technical conditions created for the start of works.

The project is financed by the General Directorate of Waqfs of the Republic of Turkey and is being implemented through the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The works are planned to last around two years.

The Clock Tower will be rebuilt at its original location, near the Ferhat Pasha Mosque, where it stood for centuries as one of the recognizable symbols of Banja Luka.