Mostar religious and legal dispute over sacred space

A legal and religious dispute has emerged in Mostar involving the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) and the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding the Lakišića vakuf, a former sacred space. The HNK has criticized a legal submission by the Mostar Muftiate, which included a ‘fetva’ (religious decree) issued by Mufti Salem Dedović. The theatre contends that the Muftiate is attempting to present this decree as a binding act for public authorities and judges, arguing such a move seeks to obstruct the construction of the HNK building and expand religious and political influence. The HNK warns that this could undermine the secular order. In response, the Council of the Congress of Bosniak Intellectuals (VKBI) has defended the Islamic Community’s right to autonomously manage its own vakuf. The VKBI asserts that religious communities have a constitutional right to possess and manage such properties and claims the City of Mostar is acting contrary to laws regarding the special protection of sacred objects and spaces. Mufti Salem Dedović has maintained that his decree is consistent with the Law on Freedom of Religion and the Law on the Special Protection of Sacred Objects and Spaces in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He argues that religious authorities must be consulted before public authorities act upon such sites. While the Islamic Community has stated it will pursue all legal and administrative avenues to protect the site, HNK director Ivan Vukoja has characterized the fetva as an attempt to place Islamic norms above the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dedović has dismissed these criticisms as ‘islamophobic’ and ‘lies,’ asserting that the community seeks only the consistent application of existing laws. Recently, the dispute has escalated into a political confrontation. Mufti Dedović criticized Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković following his visit to the HNK construction site.