The Turalibey Mosque in Tuzla is from the period between 1548 and 1572. Turalibey, the founder of the Mosque, built many monuments in this city, and he is generally considered to be the founder of the urban development of the city. The mosque is made of stone, with a stone minaret, a single-space planning basis, and a wooden roof. But it’s known for its dome-shaped vault, which is a rare stylistic feature of the Bosnian mosques.
Reconstruction of the mosque
The mosque was badly damaged due to the sinking soil which led to the tilting of walls and minaret. For that reason, the Turalibey Mosque had to be completely reconstructed. The reconstruction project finished in 2007 under architect Ruben Coal, the winner of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, and his colleague Husein Dropic. The new project has a contemporary look but still retains the authentic elements of the old mosque.
In 2005, Turalibey Mosque, along with the harem and turbe, became a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This mosque near the city of Tuzla is from the beginning of the 18th century. It’s not recognizable as a mosque, since it features a pointed roof and is primarily constructed with adobe white-washed walls. Simplicity is what makes it beautiful.
It’s set in a simple green garden and its appearance isn’t unlike that of a countryside dwelling or cottage. The inside is simple, with a high ceiling and minimal wall decorations, which gives it a quaint charm. The wooden minaret makes it a rare construction. It’s symbolic of rural Bosnia’s simple and peaceful way of life.