I recently had the pleasure of visiting a charming little town, and one of the standout attractions that left me in awe was the magnificent clock tower standing gracefully next to a stunning mosque. The harmonious blend of architectural wonders created an enchanting atmosphere that filled me with a sense of wonder and tranquility.
The clock tower itself was a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. Its towering structure reached for the heavens, and the intricate details on its façade spoke volumes about the rich history and cultural heritage of the town. The clock's face was adorned with elegant Arabic numerals, adding a touch of authenticity to the overall ambiance.
What truly made this experience extraordinary was the proximity of the clock tower to the mosque. The two structures seemed to be in perfect harmony, each enhancing the other's beauty. As I stood in front of the clock tower, its melodious chimes reverberated through the air, creating a mesmerizing symphony that blended seamlessly with the sounds of prayer coming from the mosque.
The sight of the faithful gathering at the mosque added a touch of serenity to the scene. The gentle echoes of the call to prayer created a sense of unity and spiritual tranquility that touched my soul. The atmosphere was infused with reverence, as worshippers and visitors alike embraced the serene energy that enveloped the area.
I found myself captivated by the clock tower and mosque combination. It served as a visual and auditory reminder of the passage of time, the importance of spirituality, and the interplay between tradition and modernity. This harmonious encounter left a lasting impression on me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for being able to witness such a captivating sight.
If you ever find yourself in this town, I highly recommend taking the time to appreciate the exquisite beauty of the clock tower next to the mosque. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a moment of peaceful reflection, this enchanting duo promises to leave you with cherished memories and a profound...
Read moreThe significance of the old Sarajevo clock tower located near the Gazi Husref-bey mosque goes beyond local traditions. It is believed that this very clock tower is the only one in the world still using once important but today very unusual standard of time. Even among the locals, there are those who pass by this ancient clock tower without even asking themselves what this specific time means. Many foreigners taking one glimpse at it conclude simply that it stopped working a long time ago but, the truth is quite the opposite. Its timekeeping is impeccable and the standard of time it uses is rare and unique.
The specific timekeeping used by this clock tower is referred to as the “ala Turca” time and its distinct feature is showing midnight at the moment of sunset.
The clock has 12 dials and shows midnight at the exact moment of sunset which is the moment when one day ends and another day begins in Islamic tradition. Five minutes on this clock correspond to five minutes on our modern clocks, the only difference being the starting point of the timekeeping.
For anyone who comes to Sarajevo, please don’t miss to observe the Sarajevo Clock Tower, which in my opinion, is an incredible architectural gem that do not exist anywhere else in the world. I am glad to have seen it myself, and as a Muslim, I am proud that it still exists till today. Kudos to the time keepers of the clock tower as well as the people...
Read moreSarajevo’s clock tower is 30 meters high and it is believed that it was built in the 16th century.
The tower's clock is the only public clock in the world that keeps lunar time (“à la Turk”), to indicate the times for the daily prayers. According to this system, the new day begins at sunset, when the time is shown as 12:00!
Since the length of the days change throughout the year, it was the duty of a muvekit (timekeeper) to maintain the clock’s accuracy. In the courtyard of Bey’s Mosque there is one kind of observatory, a muvekithana, which is where the exact time would be calculated with the help of careful techniques and sensitive instruments.
The tower's current clock mechanism was brought from London in 1875 by Sarajevan merchants, Hašimaga Glođo and Mehaga Kapetanović. A famous watchmaker and former muvekit from Sarajevo, Abdulah Kasumagić, gilded the hands and numbers on all four of the...
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