Emperor's Mosque Mosque

Address: Emperor’s Mosque (Careva Džamija), Baščaršija, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Admission: Free to enter (donations welcome); visitors should observe dress/code for prayer times

The Emperor’s Mosque (Careva džamija) is a historic Ottoman-era mosque in Sarajevo’s old town area, Baščaršija. It is one of the city’s notable early Islamic monuments and serves as a functioning place of worship.

Commissioned in the 15th century during the early Ottoman presence in the region, the mosque reflects Ottoman architectural forms and has been part of Sarajevo’s urban fabric since the medieval-Ottoman period. It has undergone repairs and restorations over the centuries to maintain its structure and decorative elements.

The mosque is situated in the cultural and commercial heart of Sarajevo, adjacent to the traditional bazaar area and other historic religious and civic buildings.

The building lies in the Federation entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, within Sarajevo’s central historic district.

• Historic location: Located in Sarajevo’s Baščaršija historic quarter, it is often cited as one of the earliest Ottoman mosques in the city, dating to the 15th century.

The Emperor’s Mosque (Careva Džamija) is in Sarajevo’s old town (Baščaršija) and is best reached from the city centre on foot: it’s a short walk from the Baščaršija square and the main pedestrian streets. If arriving by public transport, get off at one of the central tram/streetcar stops serving the old town and walk a few minutes into the bazaar area.

By car approach the old town via the main city arteries (centre streets such as Ferhadija/Saraci area); parking is limited near the historic quarter so public transport or walking from central Sarajevo is recommended.

• Visit outside main Muslim prayer times-especially avoid Friday midday-so you can enter the mosque courtyard and view the interior without interrupting worship.
• Approach the mosque from the Baščaršija market area to combine a short walking route through the old town; many visitors pass through quickly and miss the mosque's Ottoman-era architectural details and wooden minbar.