MOSQUE IN DELIMEĐE

PEŠTER, SANDŽAK

Author: Prof. Hajrudin Balić, PhD, Faculty for Islamic Studies in Novi Pazar • Photo: Mirza Hasanefendić

The mosque in Delimeđe with the highest minarets in Europe 

In 2009, in the village of Delimeđe on the Pešter plateau, municipality of Tutin, a mosque with the Islamic center was built, the two minarets of which are 77.5-meter high each, which makes them the highest in the Balkans and Europe, and some of the highest in the world as well.

Delimeđe is a village on the Pešter plateau in Sandžak; it is the home of hard-working people who resist harsh weather conditions which are characteristic of the Pešter plateau as the coldest inhabited region in Europe. Koštan polye is a region which is the lower part of Pešter plateau; it borders on the Novi Pazar area and belongs to the municipality of Tutin, while on the west side the Sjenica-Pešter plateau looms over it.

This area is characterized by harsh nature, which has for centuries been inhabited by hard-working highlanders. Like the rest of the Balkans, these places have undergone hard experiences of unstable times; however, despite challenges, local men managed to find ways to resist pressures and survive on this land, nourishing their religion and identity. Today, men from Pešter proudly demonstrate their survival, build the most beautiful homes, form exemplary families and raise laudable children.

As locals point out, this mosque exceeds needs of local population; however, it is as such a symbol of man's persistence to survive in the hilly Balkans, to survive on his land despite challenges and difficulties without succumbing and giving up. 

Building of the mosque was funded by benefactors from local community, as well as by those who draw origin from Pešter but live in Western European countries.

Today, the mosque is interesting for visitors and tourists, who watch it from all the sides and as such, this site is notable on the tourist map of Sandžak.