Prime Minister Albin Kurti, together with Mufti Naim Tërnava, Chief Imam Vedat Sahiti and Minister Saranda Bogujevci, have signed a cooperation agreement for the design and implementation of the reconstruction project of the Ibar Mosque, built in 1777 and burned by Serbian forces in 1999. They have also signed another memorandum of cooperation, which aims to strengthen the preservation and promotion of Islamic cultural heritage.
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has announced the start of procedures for the reconstruction of the mosque on the northern side of the central Ibar bridge in Mitrovica, which was burned on May 2, 1999 by Serbian forces.
The Ibar Mosque was built in 1777.
And, on Saturday, Kurti, together with Mufti Naim Tërnava, Chief Imam Vedat Sahiti and Minister Saranda Bogujevci, signed a cooperation agreement for the design and implementation of its reconstruction project.
"With this memorandum, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo supports the reconstruction of this monument of historical and cultural importance," the acting Prime Minister announced. "Furthermore, we signed another memorandum of cooperation with the Islamic Community of Kosovo, which aims to strengthen the preservation and promotion of Islamic cultural heritage."
During the December 28 election campaign, Kurti promised to rebuild the mosque in Mitrovica that was located across the bridge over the Ibri River that divides the city ethnically. Since the area where it used to be falls within the territory administered by the Serb-led Municipality of North Mitrovica, the rebuilding has not been allowed so far.
also
The government approves the reallocation of 50 thousand euros for the reconstruction of the Ibar Mosque
The Prime Minister has pledged to protect cultural heritage.
"These commitments are part of our ongoing commitment to protecting the country's cultural heritage, following the damage caused during the 1998-1999 war," Kurti said. "Investments in this area will continue in the coming years."
Such a pledge was also made by the Mufti of Tërnava, after meeting with the acting Prime Minister.
"These commitments are part of the ongoing commitment to protecting the country's cultural heritage, following the damage caused during the 1998-1999 war. We recall that the Ibar Mosque was built in 1777, and burned down on May 2, 1999," he said.
also
Kurti vows that the 65-meter bridge over the Ibar will be completed this year
The mosque was located at the corner of the Ibar River, at the central bridge in Mitrovica. The bridge became a symbol of division, as after the war it was not allowed to cross it. And, last year, after the government’s initiative to open the bridge to vehicles sparked a backlash, initiatives were taken for two other bridges – one for vehicle traffic and the other for pedestrians. Both were built in an accelerated procedure and have been opened to traffic.
