Behind the Scenes of the Rebuilding of the Ferhadija Mosque in Banja Luka
On the night of May 6th, 1993, an explosive disaster completely razed the Ferhadija Mosque, an architectural gem initially commissioned by Ferhad Pasha Sokolović in 1579.
Listen to the Podcast Episode ⬆️
In this episode, we look back at a conversation from 2016 with Donald Reeves, head of the NGO 'Soul of Europe', about the reconstruction of the Ferhadija Mosque in Banja Luka, which had been destroyed in 1993.
Donald discusses the many challenges faced during the rebuilding process, the importance of community rebuilding, and his journey into peace building in the Balkans.
His reflections touch on issues of peace, reconciliation, religion, foreign policy, and the role of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
00:00 Introduction and Background of the Ferhadija Mosque
00:44 Meet Donald Reeves: The Unsung Hero Behind the Mosque's Rebuilding
01:27 Donald's Journey: From Maverick Priest to Peace Builder
02:14 The Challenges and Triumphs of Rebuilding the Mosque
05:06 The Role of International Organisations and Funding
05:13 The Impact of the Mosque's Rebuilding on the Local Community
05:45 The Struggles and Successes of Fundraising for the Mosque
06:07 The Role of Religion and Politics in the Rebuilding Process
07:21 The Importance of Local Involvement and Ownership
07:47 Reflections on the Rebuilding Process and Its Legacy
09:10 The Role of Foreigners in Local Development Projects
10:21 The Importance of Local Priorities and Needs
11:49 Reflections on the Completed Mosque and Its Impact
13:41 The Role of Older Generations in Guiding the Young
15:45 A Call to Action for Future Generations.
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