NATO HQ Sarajevo  /  News  /  2025  /  General Valas visits Gazi-Husrev Beys mosque and Aladza Mosque

During World Interfaith Harmony Week, Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas, Commander NHQSa visited Gazi-Husrev Bey’s mosque yesterday, located in the heart of Sarajevo’s old town, where he had an opportunity to learn more about the history of Gazi-Husrev Bey’s endowment and its importance for the city of Sarajevo.

BG Valas also visited the Gazi Husrev-Bey’s Madrasa which is marking its 488^th year of incessant work in Bosnia and Herzegovina and met with Madrasa’s Director Mr. Dževad Pleh. The meeting was an opportunity to learn about the role of Madrasa in the religious, social and cultural developments in this region, and the important role of Madrasa in teaching its students in incorporating the values of religion, culture and moral into their everyday lives as a foundation for their further education and becoming part of social, spiritual and business life in BiH.

Photo: NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.

Observing multi-century tradition of understanding and respect of different religions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and aiming at meeting representatives of religious communities across BiH, BG Valas visited Aladža mosque in Foča and met with the Foča Imam Miralem Effendi Hodžić. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the position and regular activities of the Foča Medzlis. Effendi Hodžić underlined that the door of Aladža mosque, as religious and cultural heritage, is always open for all those who feel visiting. Recently, many foreign students studying in Foča are visiting the mosque.

Photo: NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.