The opening ceremony was attended by visitors from all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, representatives of the Islamic Community, the Serbian Orthodox Church, local authorities, and institutions from Turkey. The restored complex has been declared a national monument and is part of the "Days of Waqf" program.
Deputy Reis-ul-Ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prof. Dr. Enes-ef. Ljevaković, stated that this is a shared success and the fruit of years of effort to preserve waqf property, emphasizing the support of the Orthodox Church and local authorities in the restoration process. He highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a place where diversity is both a gift from God and a test of one's relationship with others.
The restoration of the complex began after the signing of an agreement with the Waqf Directorate in 2019. The cornerstone was laid on May 31, 2022, and work commenced on April 7, 2023. The project was carried out by the Turkish company Bilsa İnşaat in collaboration with local firms Građevina Fajić and Delta Z Mostar.
General Director of the General Directorate of Waqf of the Republic of Turkey, Sinan Aksu, emphasized that the primary task is the preservation and restoration of waqf buildings, noting that the Dugalića Mosque is one of the most significant structures from the Ottoman period, bearing witness to the cultural and religious identity of the region, as reported by MINA.
Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Emin Akseki, stated that religious buildings serve as places for gatherings and spreading messages of peace, adding: "I believe today's act sends a message that all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina can live together, just as they once did."
Director of the Waqf Directorate, Huso Salihović, emphasized that this act restores identity, life, and dignity to the city, as the reconstruction of the destroyed mosque sends a message about the importance of preserving cultural and historical heritage and the resilience of the people.
Mufti of Mostar, Dr. Salem ef. Dedović, recalled the continuous support for restoration throughout history and stated: "What is built in the name of God, on the noble faith in God, to serve people in their correct orientation and direction toward the Almighty, is indestructible."
Representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church and local authorities also addressed the gathering, speaking about the importance of dialogue and trust among communities. Metropolitan of Zahumlje and Herzegovina and the Littoral, Dimitrije, highlighted the significance of mutual respect and the preservation of human dignity, while Municipal Mayor Milenko Avdalović stated that today's program reminds us of the obligation to connect among peoples, faiths, and individuals.
Community member Hamid Mutilović described the restoration as a special event for the community, emphasizing that in Nevesinje, "the church and the mosque stand side by side" as a symbol of mutual understanding. As part of the program, certificates of appreciation were awarded to institutions and individuals responsible for the restoration, the choir of the Karađoz-beg Madrasa performed, and Šefko-ef. Tinjak led the prayer.