Rijeka, (IKA) – On May 4, twenty thousand people gathered in Rijeka for the opening ceremonies of the Islamic Center, which includes a mosque, the third in Croatia. The opening was attended by numerous guests, including the President of the Republic of Croatia, Ivo Josipović, Former President Stipe Mesić, and distinguished persons in political, cultural and religious life. In addition to Muslims from Croatia, 105 buses arrived from Bosnia and Herzegovina carrying approximately 5,000 people. There were also persons attending from other neighboring countries and the rest of Europe. As noted during the program, in addition to Qatar, which financed the construction of the Center, dignitaries came from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkey. Imams were present from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, Serbia, Slovenia etc.
The President of the Islamic Community in Croatia, Mufti Aziz Hasanović, thanked everyone who had participated in the realization of this project and those who helped build the Islamic Center. Croatia could be an example for other European countries in dealing with the Muslim question, as well as to Muslim countries regarding how to resolve questions concerning other religious communities, said Mufti Hasanović.
Those assembled were also addressed by the Secretary General of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Msgr. Enco Rodinis, who said that he was glad to be there and share the joy of opening another place of prayer. “Brother Muslims, the Second Vatican Council taught us Catholic Christians that God’s plan of salvation also encompasses those who recognize the Creator, including Muslims. Acknowledging that they keep the faith of Abraham, they are with us in the worship of the one and merciful God, who will judge people on Judgment Day,” said Msgr. Rodinis, adding that he satisfied with the maturity of the Rijeka and Croatian atmosphere in which religious freedom is guaranteed and places of worship can be built. He appealed, among other things, “to those who have influence, to make it possible for Christians to build their houses of worship in countries where there is a Muslim majority.”

The Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein Kavazović, said it was “a great day for the Muslims of Croatia and all Muslims,” and that in this way Croatia has sent a message to Europe and the whole Muslim world, that it is a mature society and Rijeka is a “cosmopolitan city,” a city whose gates have been and remain “open to all who come with good intentions and have something to offer.” This is a great historical moment because we are opening a magnificent architectural structure that will serve as a bridge for relations between Muslims and others in Croatia. The Islamic world is in need of such a mediator after some have managed to promote a vision of a clash of civilizations, said, among other things, the Minister of Awkaf (Endowments) of Qatar, Dr. Ghaith bin Mubarek el-Kuwari, who quoted the Rijeka Imam who called the opening of the Rijeka mosque the greatest event in Croatia in 2013.

This beautiful edifice is an artistic contribution by one of the most significant contemporary Croatian sculptors, Dušan Džamonja. Located on a mountain overlooking Kvarner Bay, in the vicinity of several Christian places of worship, it sends the message that diversity and unity are possible and good, said President Ivo Josipović.
A Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bakir Izetbegović, said that Croatia is a good place for Bosniak Muslims to live and the way in which their status was resolved could serve as an example for other European countries.
The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Croatia, H.E. Paul Vandoren, said that with this beautiful building Rijeka has a new symbol that will not only attract Muslims but also all citizens and visitors to Rijeka. “The opening of such a center reflects the multicultural spirit that I have always felt when visiting Rijeka during the years that I have spent in Croatia. Indeed, multiculturalism and diversity are among the fundamental values upon which the European Union is built. Therefore, as we approach July and Croatian accession to the European Union, this opening has special significance because it confirms the existence of these ideas and values in practice,” said Ambassador Vandoren.

The opening began with readings of verses from the Koran and concluded with prayer recited by Mufti Ševko ef. Omerbašić, until recently the President of the Islamic Community in Croatia and Slovenia.
This was followed by the unveiling of a plaque with an inscription about the donation from the State of Qatar, a visit to the Islamic Center and a tour of the area for worship. At the end of the opening ceremonies, there was the unveiling of a plaque inscribed with the name of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, the Emir of the State of Qatar, after whom the Congress Center was named.
Following the opening ceremonies, a cultural-religious program was presented at the Center.