Islamic community of Croatia - Meshihat

"During the many centuries of the Dubrovnik Republic, a significant number of Muslims passed through the city as merchants, officials of the Ottoman Empire, and pilgrims, as Dubrovnik served as a starting point for journeys to Mecca. However, it was only after the fall of the Republic that the first Muslim families began to permanently settle in Dubrovnik. In 1878, following the Vienna Congress, Bosnia and Herzegovina were integrated into the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, bringing Dubrovnik and the Herzegovina hinterland under the same administration. This integration facilitated the free flow of people, leading to the arrival of the first Muslim families who settled in Dubrovnik. The commercial development of the port of Gruž in the early 20th century further increased demand for labor, attracting even more migrants from nearby Herzegovina, many of whom were Muslim. Most of the Muslims in Dubrovnik came as workers or merchants. By the 1920s, the small Muslim community began to organize themselves for worship, initially holding prayers in private homes. In 1929, it is documented that prayers were conducted in the house of the Karamehmedović family. However, as the community grew, this informal setting proved inadequate, prompting a search for more suitable premises. The idea of establishing a Majlis (Islamic Community) in Dubrovnik emerged in 1932, and by 1933, the Majlis was established with the appointment of the first Imam. In **1937**, goldsmith Josip Krilić offered to assist the community by leasing his storehouse in Ranjina Street for worship. Unfortunately, this space was not viable for long due to a lack of water supply. The search for a new location continued until 1941, when the community leased premises at Miho Pracat Street, house number 3, which is now the site of the Masjid. In 1964, the premises became the property of the Islamic community, and prayer services have been held there ever since. The three-story building on Miho Pracat Street includes a Masjid (place of worship), offices, a Mektebi (religious instruction room), a library, and a youth club. In keeping with Dubrovnik's architectural style, the entrance is marked by an outdoor lantern hanging from the building. The Masjid is situated on the second floor and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Entering the Masjid resembles entering a private residence, expanding into a spacious worship area within."