The master builder of this mosque in 1530 was the Emperor’s Master Builder (mimar) Adžem (Ajem) Esir Ali, a Persian from Tabriy, who came from the distinguished school of the master builder Hajrudin.
The builder is Gazi Husrev bey (may peace be upon him).
Because of the density оf construction within this area, it is hard to gain full appreciation of this mosque as an entity from the outside.
Gazi Husrev Bey's Mosque, early 20th century
Its monumental nature becomes noticeable as one enters the main prayer space, under the 26-meter high dome. There is a wooden balcony which is reached by stairs and passing through the two-meter-thick wall of the mosque. The prayer space is extended by two back wings with half-domes.
The minaret is 47 meters in height with a massive cross-section.
Gazi Husrev Bey's Mosque, Minaret
Magnificent stalactite ornamentation in the angles under the dome and in the place where the Imam leads the prayers, as well as other polychromatic decoration, valuable carpets and the light effects through the 51 windows produces a sense of greater space than there is in reality. At every time of prayer in this mosque, the great benefactor Gazi Husrev-Bey is remembered.
In his legacy, he stated:
“Good deeds drive away evil, and one of the most worthy of good deeds is the act of charity, and the most worthy act of charity is one which lasts forever. Of all charitable deeds, the most beautiful is one that continually renews itself.”
The passage gives us indication of how far-sighted this benefactor was. He transformed all that he had into endowment and, according to legend, stripped himself of everything but his shirts and underwear.
In the protected area just outside of the mosque itself, there are the domed turbe (burial sites) of Gazi Husrev-Beys and of the administrator of his endowments, Murad-Bey Tardić.
Gazi Husrev Bey's Mosque, Gazi Husrev bey and Murat Tardic Tomb monuments
This area also houses the mekteb (Muslim primary school), the abdesthana (room for ablution), the chronometrical station and the once-prestigious Gazi Husrev-Bey library.
Also in the yard Gazi Husrev Beys Mosque there is Ezantash, Abdesthana and Shadirwan.
Prior to the siege of Sarajevo, a significant renovation was begun of the precious and most significant Islamic place of worship through a donation from Saud Arabia.
Gazi Husrev Bey's Mosque, ezantash
During the shelling of the city, it was damaged by more than hundred mortar-shells hits. Many were astonished to note that no mention whatsoever was made in the plate engraved in the wall of this temple, upon the post-war completion of this renovation, of this siege against our sacred heritage.
Along in this complex you should NOT miss:
