President Milanović at Opening of Islamic Cultural Centre in Sisak: In 1991, when it was most difficult, our fellow citizens of the Islamic faith stood in defense of Croatia
The President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović and the President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is paying an official visit to Croatia, attended the official opening ceremony of the Islamic Cultural Centre in the town of Sisak. President Milanović assessed the construction of the centre as another step in building a culture of dialogue, peace, understanding and friendship between nations and religions of the world.
“Here, in the old Croatian town of Sisak – where many centuries ago the paths and swords of great world powers and religions, Christianity and Islam, crossed, and where today peace and friendship reign – we are opening a monument to culture, modernity, the Islamic community and a modern Croatia, a democratic country open to all people of good will, of all faiths,” said President Milanović.
“It is easy to be equal among equals and to understand those who are the same as you, and to live with them. But to be with those who differ from you in some respect, to live in peace, harmony and understanding – that’s a challenge for every person,” said President Milanović, recalling that for decades a large and vibrant Islamic community that is integrated into Croatian society has been present in Sisak.
“In 1991, when it was the most difficult, our fellow citizens of Sisak of the Islamic faith stood in defense of Croatia together with their Croatian brothers, Croatian defenders. They were brothers in arms and although of different religions, they were of the same spirit and at that moment, of the same faith. Their graves are preserved, marked and they lie shoulder to shoulder, body to body, grave to grave with the Croatian defenders,” President Milanović said at the ceremony, adding that the Islamic Cultural Centre is a monument to their courage, patriotism and faith in a better tomorrow and the homeland.
The Croatian President pointed out that he sees the Islamic Cultural Centre as a monument that connects. “It is a bridge between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, above all local members of the Islamic community, but also people who live across the Una River. Throughout history, we have been much more joined than separated,” concluded President Milanović in his address.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan