Dizdareva (women’s) mosque

In the immediate vicinity of the fortress, in the heart of Gornja Mahala, stands one of the most unusual mosques in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Built in 1812/1813, Dizdareva džamija has been attracting visitors for two centuries, not only with its architecture but also with the moving legends surrounding its name. Unlike most mosques in the Balkans, this place of worship has no minaret, and its stone tufa dome is cleverly hidden beneath a hipped wooden roof, making it a rare architectural gem that fits perfectly into the panorama of the royal town.

The name of this mosque is the subject of many stories that fascinate tourists. According to one version, the name comes from the time when the mosque, as a smaller neighborhood place of worship, was mainly used by women for their prayers. Another, much more emotional story says that its builder, Sulejman-beg Kulenović, then the dizdar (commander) of Jajce Fortress, erected this building in memory of his seven daughters. Legend has it that all of his daughters died while he was on pilgrimage to Mecca, and the heartbroken father dedicated the mosque to them.