Arnaudija, one of Banja Luka’s historic mosques, will reopen as a restored symbol of the city. Although it stood for centuries as a place of worship, symbolizing the unity of various religions in Banja Luka, Arnaudija was destroyed in 1993 by the Army of the Republic of Srpska (VRS). Many residents remember this old mosque, and after its destruction, parts of it were even found in the Vrbas River.
Arnaudija Mosque was built in the classical Ottoman style. Its architectural and typological features placed it in the category of single-space mosques with a dome and three small cupolas. The old fountain at the entrance to the mosque’s courtyard served not only worshippers but also residents from the entire region. The turbe (mausoleum), small minaret, and fountain were crafted by the same artisans who built the mosque. The fountain, small minaret, two gates, and harem wall were constructed from finely cut stone blocks. The turbe housed two wooden sarcophagi covered with green cloth, where the mosque’s founder, Hasan-effendi, and his wife were laid to rest.
The reconstruction of Arnaudija Mosque began in June 2003. The old mosque fountain and gate were also restored. The mosque officially reopened on May 7, 2024.
