Emperor's Mosque, Sarajevo
The Emperor鈥檚 Mosque is one of the city鈥檚 earliest Ottoman landmarks and a symbol of its centuries-long Islamic heritage. Commissioned in 1457 by Sultan Mehmed II, known as Mehmed the Conqueror, it was built soon after the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia and marked the establishment of Sarajevo as an emerging urban centre. Although rebuilt and renovated over the centuries, the mosque retains its role as a focal point of worship and history, representing the continuity of Islamic life in the region.
Architecturally, the mosque combines simplicity with elegance. Its spacious prayer hall is topped by a single dome, while a tall, slender minaret rises on one side, characteristic of Ottoman mosque design. The surrounding courtyard, with its graceful fountain for ritual ablutions, enhances the atmosphere of tranquility. Inside, the mosque features restrained decoration with Quranic inscriptions and geometric motifs, reflecting both Ottoman aesthetics and the importance of spiritual focus in worship.
The mosque is set along the banks of the Miljacka River, close to the historic Latin Bridge, which places it in the heart of Sarajevo鈥檚 Old Town. Its location not only makes it a prominent visual landmark but also ties it to the city鈥檚 layered history, where Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences meet. Today, it continues to serve the local Muslim community while also welcoming visitors curious about Sarajevo鈥檚 cultural and religious traditions.
For tourists, the Emperor鈥檚 Mosque offers a chance to step into the early Ottoman era and to experience one of the most enduring symbols of Sarajevo鈥檚 identity. Whether admired from the riverside or entered respectfully during visiting hours, it stands as both a place of worship and a testament to the city鈥檚 long-standing role as a crossroads of cultures.
Architecturally, the mosque combines simplicity with elegance. Its spacious prayer hall is topped by a single dome, while a tall, slender minaret rises on one side, characteristic of Ottoman mosque design. The surrounding courtyard, with its graceful fountain for ritual ablutions, enhances the atmosphere of tranquility. Inside, the mosque features restrained decoration with Quranic inscriptions and geometric motifs, reflecting both Ottoman aesthetics and the importance of spiritual focus in worship.
The mosque is set along the banks of the Miljacka River, close to the historic Latin Bridge, which places it in the heart of Sarajevo鈥檚 Old Town. Its location not only makes it a prominent visual landmark but also ties it to the city鈥檚 layered history, where Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences meet. Today, it continues to serve the local Muslim community while also welcoming visitors curious about Sarajevo鈥檚 cultural and religious traditions.
For tourists, the Emperor鈥檚 Mosque offers a chance to step into the early Ottoman era and to experience one of the most enduring symbols of Sarajevo鈥檚 identity. Whether admired from the riverside or entered respectfully during visiting hours, it stands as both a place of worship and a testament to the city鈥檚 long-standing role as a crossroads of cultures.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sarajevo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Emperor's Mosque on Map
Sight Name: Emperor's Mosque
Sight Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina (See walking tours in Sarajevo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina (See walking tours in Sarajevo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Create Your Own Walk in Sarajevo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sarajevo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ottoman Empire Landmarks Walk
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, was founded in 1461 after the Ottoman Empire conquered the region. Hence, the city's history is closely intertwined with the Ottoman legacy reflected in its landmarks.
One such is the Old Bazaar, a bustling market square dating back to the 15th century. Here, one can immerse oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of traditional crafts, authentic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
One such is the Old Bazaar, a bustling market square dating back to the 15th century. Here, one can immerse oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of traditional crafts, authentic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Sarajevo Introduction Walking Tour
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also the country's largest city. This historical and picturesque city is surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and rests along both banks of the Miljacka River.
The city was established by the Ottoman Empire around 1461. It was named "Sarajevo," which means "the plains around the palace." The name is derived from the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The city was established by the Ottoman Empire around 1461. It was named "Sarajevo," which means "the plains around the palace." The name is derived from the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Siege of Sarajevo Walking Tour
The Siege of Sarajevo was an extended battle in the city during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1996. It is known to be the most prolonged siege of a capital city, having lasted several months longer than the early 20th century Siege of Madrid.
The Bosnian War began when Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia. The city was blockaded by the Serbs and bombarded by bombs, tanks,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Bosnian War began when Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia. The city was blockaded by the Serbs and bombarded by bombs, tanks,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles