Croatian Muslims hail opening of Islamic center

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – Muslims across Balkan nations hailed the recent visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the region where he inaugurated an Islamic center.

Earlier this week, Erdogan concluded his 3-day tour with stops in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia.

In Croatia’s central city of Sisak, Erdogan inaugurated the opening of the Islamic Cultural Center which has been established through Turkish funding.

Mirsada Biljeskovic, who lives in Germany but traveled to Croatia for the opening ceremony, said the center will benefit Muslims in the region.

“I am very proud here. Many people, including me, think it will be beneficial for all of us because it is a positive situation. I dedicate today to our President Erdogan,” said Biljeskovic.

Zikrija Hodzic, who has been serving as an imam for eight years in Slovenia, said Erdogan’s visit and support are of great importance for the Muslims of the region.

“The opening of the Islamic Cultural Center represents a great opportunity for Muslims to spread our good faith, establish dialogue, promote our culture and religion,” said Hodzic.

Imam Aljo Cikotic, who traveled to Sisak from Bosnia and Herzegovina for the opening, said the center will be a bridge connecting Türkiye and the Balkans.

“The opening of the center is the 55-year-old dream of the Muslims of Sisak. I am very happy to participate in this historical program … This is a project that will last for generations.

“Today’s opening actually shows the desire to build places where Muslims can pray freely throughout history.

At the inaugural ceremony, Erdogan said that Croatia was among those countries in Europe which sets itself apart for the freedom and peace it offers its Muslims citizens.