Istiqlal Mosque, Postmodern mosque in Otoka, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Istiqlal Mosque is a postmodern religious building in the Otoka neighborhood featuring a distinctive copper-colored dome flanked by two minarets. Large openings in the structure allow natural light to fill the interior spaces, creating a bright and open worship environment.
The mosque was initiated during a 1995 visit by Indonesian President Suharto as a gesture of international support for Sarajevo. Construction was completed in 2001, marking an important moment of rebuilding in the city after conflict.
The mosque blends Indonesian design elements with modern European forms, creating a visual fusion that visitors can experience directly in the carved wooden details and interior spaces. This combination reflects the building's international origins and its role in Sarajevo's diverse religious landscape.
The interior offers good sightlines and open layouts that allow comfortable exploration from different vantage points. Visitors should remain mindful of prayer times and dress respectfully when entering the space.
The structure employs stainless steel and glass as primary materials, blending modern industrial finishes with traditional Islamic architectural language. This unexpected pairing of contemporary materials with classical religious design creates an uncommon approach to sacred space.
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