THE NEIGHBOURHOOD MOSQUE WITH WOODEN MINARET IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

A number of extant historic buildings testify to the rich building activity during the Ottoman period in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1463–1878). Today, certain historic types, such as hammams, madrasas and hans, have lost their original purpose and importance. While many of them have long since disappeared, a few important monuments have been preserved, but now they have a completely different function. Unlike them, thanks to an unaltered function and permanent usage, only mosques remained in a notable extent. The most valued monumental domed buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina exemplify classical Ottoman style of the 16th century. In contrast to domed mosques which usually dominate the townscape, there are a respectable number of small neighbourhood (mahalle) mosques built throughout the country. These authentic structures are rather unpretentious in size and proportions, but valuable in their authenticity and environmental compatibility. While monumental mosques are recognised by domes, portals and high minarets, small neighbourhood mosques stand out with a wooden porch, and a hip roof with characteristic wooden minaret.

THE_NEIGHBOURHOOD_MOSQUE_WITH_WOODEN_MIN.pdf