IUS ARCH Launches Alumni Talks with Inspiring Lecture on Mosque Heritage Restoration
The Architecture (ARCH) study program at the IUS Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS), successfully hosted its first ARCH Alumni Talk, titled “Restoration of Mosque Heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” The event welcomed Ahmet Yazıcı, MA, an architect working with Bil-Sa İnşaat, whose professional practice focuses on the restoration and renovation of cultural heritage. The lecture brought together ARCH students, faculty members, and guests interested in the restoration and reconstruction of mosque heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Organized as part of a broader ARCH initiative to reconnect with its alumni, the event aimed to offer current students valuable insight into academic and professional development paths while also opening space for future collaboration, internship opportunities, and knowledge exchange. In this way, the Alumni Talk served not only as a professional lecture, but also as a meaningful bridge between former and current members of the IUS academic community.
Drawing on his professional experience, Mr. Yazıcı presented several notable projects related to the restoration and reconstruction of mosque heritage across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Among them were the restoration of Baščaršijska Mosque in Sarajevo, the reconstruction of Arnaudija Mosque in Banja Luka, and the reconstruction of Opijačeva Tekija in Mostar. He also referred to other important projects, including the restoration of Aladža Mosque in Travnik and Dugalica Mosque in Nevesinje, which is currently under reconstruction.
Through his presentation, Mr. Yazıcı highlighted the technical, cultural, and ethical dimensions of working with historic structures, underlining the importance of preserving authenticity while also meeting contemporary standards and functional requirements. Reflecting on his own journey from student life at IUS to professional practice, he offered students valuable perspectives on entering the field of architectural conservation and addressing the challenges of heritage restoration projects.
The lecture concluded with an engaging discussion session, during which students and faculty members exchanged ideas with the speaker and explored questions related to restoration methodologies, material conservation, and the role of architects in safeguarding cultural identity through built heritage.
