History of the Islamic Community in Osijek
More than a century of tradition and community in the heart of Slavonia
The presence of Muslims in Osijek dates back to distant past. The charter of King Emeric from 1196 mentions Ismailis who were Muslims. During the Ottoman period, Kasim Pasha built a mosque in Osijek, which became the center of the community's religious life.
Key Moments in Our History
Follow the development of our community through key historical events
Founding of the Muslim Religious Community
Rules of the Muslim Religious Community in Osijek from 1927.
Muslims migrated to Slavonia from Bosnia and Herzegovina in small numbers at the beginning of the 20th century. According to the 1921 census, 243 Muslims lived in the Osijek area. In such circumstances, in 1927, the community of believers founded the "Muslim Religious Community in Osijek". The first president was Dr. Smail Hadži Mulić, a physician in Osijek.
Formation of the first board
Leadership of the Muslim Religious Community in Osijek, 1929.
The Muslim Religious Community in Osijek forms a board, making this community one of the first organized Islamic communities outside Bosnia and Herzegovina. Interestingly, Osijek had a board even before Zagreb, where it was formed only in 1934.
Opening of the first masjid in the Fortress
Imam Husejn ef. Jahić, through tireless work, manages to open the first masjid for soldiers and citizens in the Osijek fortress. On September 11, 1936, the first sermon was delivered and the first Friday prayer was performed.
"After almost 200 years since the Turks left Osijek, the voice of the muezzin is heard for the first time, the first sermon and Friday prayer are performed."
Dream of a mosque: Foundation stone laid
During World War II, Muslims of Osijek lay the foundation stone for the construction of a mosque on the site of today's main city market. Unfortunately, construction was never started, and the foundation stone was removed in 1957.
New home of the community
Premises at Zagrebačka 35 were opened, which are still in use today, for over 40 years. At that time, the imam was Salih ef. Smajlović. There was a plan to build a new mosque and funds were being collected, but it was never realized.
Era of Enes ef. Poljić
Enes ef. Poljić becomes imam and leads the community for 38 years, a period that includes the dissolution of Yugoslavia, war suffering, and modern challenges. His dedication and wisdom leave a lasting mark on the community.
Founding of the Muslim Religious Community
Rules of the Muslim Religious Community in Osijek from 1927.
Muslims migrated to Slavonia from Bosnia and Herzegovina in small numbers at the beginning of the 20th century. According to the 1921 census, 243 Muslims lived in the Osijek area. In such circumstances, in 1927, the community of believers founded the "Muslim Religious Community in Osijek". The first president was Dr. Smail Hadži Mulić, a physician in Osijek.
Formation of the first board
Leadership of the Muslim Religious Community in Osijek, 1929.
The Muslim Religious Community in Osijek forms a board, making this community one of the first organized Islamic communities outside Bosnia and Herzegovina. Interestingly, Osijek had a board even before Zagreb, where it was formed only in 1934.
Opening of the first masjid in the Fortress
Imam Husejn ef. Jahić, through tireless work, manages to open the first masjid for soldiers and citizens in the Osijek fortress. On September 11, 1936, the first sermon was delivered and the first Friday prayer was performed.
"After almost 200 years since the Turks left Osijek, the voice of the muezzin is heard for the first time, the first sermon and Friday prayer are performed."
Dream of a mosque: Foundation stone laid
During World War II, Muslims of Osijek lay the foundation stone for the construction of a mosque on the site of today's main city market. Unfortunately, construction was never started, and the foundation stone was removed in 1957.
New home of the community
Premises at Zagrebačka 35 were opened, which are still in use today, for over 40 years. At that time, the imam was Salih ef. Smajlović. There was a plan to build a new mosque and funds were being collected, but it was never realized.
Era of Enes ef. Poljić
Enes ef. Poljić becomes imam and leads the community for 38 years, a period that includes the dissolution of Yugoslavia, war suffering, and modern challenges. His dedication and wisdom leave a lasting mark on the community.
Our Imams: Pillars of the Community
Dedicated spiritual leaders who shaped our community
Muhamed ef. Mujakić
First imam of the Muslim Religious Community in Osijek. He laid the foundations of organized religious life of the community.
Husejn ef. Jahić
Revitalizer of the community. Energetic and persistent, he manages to mobilize the community and open the first masjid. Through his lectures, he brings Muslims back to the right path.
Šerif ef. Špica
Military imam who also served in Osijek. After retirement in 1942, he remains in Osijek and continues to serve the community until his passing in 1970.
Salih ef. Smajlović
Imam at the time of the opening of the current masjid premises in Zagrebačka street in 1978.
Enes ef. Poljić
The longest-serving imam in the history of the community. He led the community through the difficult times of Yugoslavia's dissolution, war, and modern challenges.
"They wandered, so to speak, from bad to worse, day by day falling deeper into ignorance. It took a lot of work and energy to help these people, to show them the true path and open their eyes."
The religious life of Muslims in Osijek between the two world wars was not easy. Pressed by economic hardships, Muslims struggled to preserve their identity and faith. Many came from Bosnia in search of work, and in the new environment faced challenges of assimilation. However, thanks to the dedication of imams and community members, Islam was preserved.
Example of Perseverance
In the summer of 1933, a vacation religious course was organized in Tuzla for children from Osijek. Of 35 registered, 16 children came. The report notes that not a single child knew anything about religion except one girl. After the course, all children learned short surahs, 33 Islamic articles, and basics of Islamic ethics. Such efforts show how much the community valued education of the youth.
Our Mission Today
Medžlis of the Islamic Community Osijek continues the tradition of serving the Muslim community in Slavonia. Our mission is to preserve Islamic values, provide religious support to the community, and promote understanding and coexistence with other communities.