Status of monument -> National monument
Pursuant to Article V para. 4 Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Article 39 para. 1 of the Rules of Procedure of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments, at a session held from 3 to 9 May 2005 the Commission adopted a
D E C I S I O N
I
The Alifakovac cemetery ensemble in Sarajevo is hereby designated as a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter: the National Monument).
The National Monument consists of the Alifakovac cemetery with turbes and fountain.
The National Monument is located on a site designated as cadastral plot nos.: 288; 289; 290; 444; 445; 333 (new survey), cadastral municipality Sarajevo IX, corresponding to c.p. no. 97 Mahala XCIX Sarajevo, c.m. 57 Mahala CIV Sarajevo, c.p. no. 112 Mahala CV Sarajevo and c.p. no. 113 Mahala CV Sarajevo, Land Register entry nos. CV/68, CV/39, CIV/68, cadastral municipality Sarajevo, Municipality Stari grad Sarajevo, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The provisions relating to protection measures set forth by the Law on the Implementation of the Decisions of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments, established pursuant to Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of the Federation of BiH nos. 2/02, 27/02 and 6/04/) shall apply to the National Monument.
II
The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter: the Government of the Federation) shall be responsible for ensuring and providing the legal, scientific, technical, administrative and financial measures necessary to protect, conserve, and display the National Monument.
The Commission to Preserve National Monuments (hereinafter: the Commission) shall determine the technical requirements and secure the funds for preparing and setting up signboards with the basic data on the monument and the Decision to proclaim the property a National Monument.
III
To ensure the on-going protection of the National Monument on the site defined in Clause 1 para. 3 of this Decision, the following protection measures are hereby stipulated:
- all works are prohibited other than the maintenance and landscaping of the cemetery and conservation and restoration works on the old nišan tombstones, turbes and fountain, and works designed to display the monument, with the approval of the Federal Ministry responsible for regional planning (hereinafter: the relevant ministry) and under the expert supervision of the heritage protection authority of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter: the heritage protection authority),
- new nišan tombstones may be erected on existing graves, provided that they are not detrimental in shape, execution and size to the appearance of the cemetery and that they do not damage the old nišans,
- there shall be no further burials in the Alifakovac cemetery because of the risk to the old nišans,
- the cemetery shall be set in order in line with an appropriate project, with the approval of the relevant ministry,
- the site shall be regularly maintained,
- the National Monument shall be open to the public and may be used for educational purposes.
The following urgent protection measures are hereby stipulated:
- the extraction, cleaning and conservation of three nišan-steles sunken into the ground;
- structural repairs to the turbes.
A protective zone is hereby stipulated consisting of the plots adjoining the area defined in Clause 1 para. 3 of this Decision. The following measures shall apply to the protective zone:
- the construction of new buildings, extensions to existing buildings, and works that could have the effect of altering the townscape/landscape are prohibited;
- the repair and adaptation of existing buildings is permitted;
- all interventions must have the prior approval of the relevant ministry.
IV
All executive and area development planning acts not in accordance with the provisions of this Decision are hereby revoked.
V
Everyone, and in particular the competent authorities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Canton, and urban and municipal authorities, shall refrain from any action that might damage the National Monument or jeopardize the preservation and rehabilitation thereof.
VI
The Government of the Federation, the relevant Ministry, the Federation heritage protection authority, and the Municipal Authorities in charge of urban planning and land registry affairs, shall be notified of this Decision in order to carry out the measures stipulated in Articles II to V of this Decision, and the Authorized Municipal Court shall be notified for the purposes of registration in the Land Register.
VII
The elucidation and accompanying documentation form an integral part of this Decision, which may be viewed by interested parties on the premises or by accessing the website of the Commission (http://www.aneks8komisija.com.ba)
VIII
Pursuant to Art. V para 4 Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, decisions of the Commission are final.
IX
On the date of adoption of this Decision, the National Monument shall be deleted from the Provisional List of National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of BiH no. 33/02, Official Gazette of Republika Srpska no. 79/02, Official Gazette of the Federation of BiH no. 59/02, and Official Gazette of Brčko District BiH no. 4/03), where it featured under serial no 532.
X
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption and shall be published in the Official Gazette of BiH.
This Decision has been adopted by the following members of the Commission: Zeynep Ahunbay, Amra Hajjimuhamedović, Dubravko Lovrenović, Ljiljana Ševo and Tina Wik.
No: 06.2-02-127/05-7
4 May 2005
Sarajevo
Chair of the Commission
Ljiljana Ševo
E l u c i d a t i o n
I – INTRODUCTION
Pursuant to Article 2, paragraph 1 of the Law on the Implementation of the Decisions of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments, established pursuant to Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a “National Monument” is an item of public property proclaimed by the Commission to Preserve National Monuments to be a National Monument pursuant to Articles V and VI of Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and property entered on the Provisional List of National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of BiH no. 33/02) until the Commission reaches a final decision on its status, as to which there is no time limit and regardless of whether a petition for the property in question has been submitted or not.
The Commission to Preserve National Monuments issued a decision to add the Alifakovac fountain in Sarajevo to the Provisional List of National Monuments under serial no. 532.
On 27 April 2005 the Commission received a petition from the Majlis of the Islamic Community pertaining to the Alifakovac cemetery ensemble.
Pursuant to the provisions of the law, the Commission proceeded to carry out the procedure for reaching a final decision to designate the Property as a National Monument, pursuant to Article V of Annex 8 and Article 35 of the Rules of Procedure of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments.
II – PROCEDURE PRIOR TO DECISION
In the procedure preceding the adoption of a final decision to proclaim the property a national monument, the following documentation was inspected:
- Documentation on the location and current owner and user of the property
- Details of legal protection of the property to date
- Data on the current condition and use of the property, including a description and photographs, data of war damage, data on restoration or other works on the property, etc.
- Historical, architectural and other documentary material on the property, as set out in the bibliography forming part of this Decision.
The findings based on the review of the above documentation and the condition of the site are as follows:
1. Details of the property
Location
A large cemetery, in terms of its location one of the most beautiful of Sarajevo's old cemeteries, is in Alifakovac, above the Šeher-ćehaja bridge.
The Alifakovac cemetery is on an elevation on the left bank of the river Miljacka, at the intersection of Veliki Alifakovac, Braća Morić, Džemal Čelić and Čeljigovići streets. The cemetery complex covers an area of 13,631 m2, and consists of four plots:
- The plot with turbes, c.p. nos. 288, 289 and 290 (new survey), corresponding to c.p. 112 CV (old survey), with an area of 6,634 m2
- The plot between Čeljigovići and Dž. Čelića streets, c.p. 445 (new survey), corresponding to c.p. 57 CIV (old survey), with an area of 2,151 m2
- The plot facing Babića Bašča, c.p. 333 (new survey), corresponding to c.p.113 CV (old survey), with an area of 4,216 m2
- The plot between Dž. Čelića and Braće Morić streets, c.p. 444 (new survey), corresponding to c.p. 97 XCIX (old survey), with an area of 2,126 m2
Historical information
There are many cemeteries and burial grounds in Sarajevo.
The oldest type of tombstone is the stećak tombstone; there are no longer any of these in the inner Sarajevo area.
The oldest and most numerous of Sarajevo's existing cemeteries are Muslim cemeteries, of which there were about 270 up to the Austro-Hungarian period. In 1888 the Austro-Hungarian authorities opened a new cemetery on the outskirts of the city, in the Koševo valley, for Catholic and Orthodox burials. With the arrival of the Jews in Sarajevo in the 16th century, a Jewish cemetery took shape on the north slope of Mt Trebević, in a place called Borak.
Cemeteries and burial grounds are an important element of the urban fabric of the city. Muslim burial grounds are interesting from both the religious and the artistic and urban point of view. They are modest and simple, with white nišan tombstones(1).Muslim burial grounds took shape in the middle of settlements, in the harems of mosques, or as independent cemeteries in conspicuous places in the settlement.
The Alifakovac cemetery is one of the oldest and most beautiful Muslim cemeteries in Sarajevo. It came into being in the Vekil Harč mahale(2),the earliest reference to which dates from the 16th century.
At the entrance to the cemetery is a large cobbled plateau where the Alifakovac fountain stands. This is the only surviving remains of the 15th century cobbled roads in the inner urban area, and is known as the carigradska džada (Istanbul road), along which the faithful went to the hajj, starting outside the Vekil Harč (Hajjijska or hajjis') mosque below Alifakovac.
There are more than five hundred tombstones in Alifakovac, more than two hundred of which have epitaphs. They are old nišan tombstones of varying forms, on the basis of which it is possible to deduce their approximate date of origin and the social status of the deceased. The oldest dated nišan dates from 1751, but there are older ones that are not dated. The oldest of all, assumed to date from the 15th and 16th century, are of transitional form, from the mediaeval stećak tombstone to the nišan form of tombstone.
When the Alifakovac cemetery was being made good, a tombstone was discovered in the ground – a nišan in the shape of a large stele, with on one of the wider sides a carving of an arm embowed (bent at the elbow), with six outspread fingers above which is a moon, as if the hand is attempting to catch hold of it. On one of the narrower sides is a sword and hemispheres. Beside this nišan is another, also with an arm, with zigzag lines on the chamfer. These are features that suggest that the cemetery in Alifakovac came into being as early as the 15th century (Mujezinović,1998. p. 91-92.)
The epitaphs on the nišans dating from the 16th to the 20th century are in Turkish, in Arabic script, or in Bosnian, in Latin or Cyrillic script.
In addition to their documentary value, the epitaphs are of considerable artistic and calligraphic value. Most of them were composed by Sarajevan poets and calligraphers such as Mehmed Mejlija Kuranija (an 18th century poet and calligrapher), Muhamed Enver Kadić (a 19th century epigrapher), Fadil-pasha Šerifović (a 19th century epigrapher), and many others.
Above the fountain in Alifakovac is the grave of Ali-Ufak(3),a kadija (qadi) and shaikh of Sarajevo who lived in the second half of the 15th century and is referred to as a witness in Isa-beg's vakufnama (deed of endowment). One of his many endowments was the land for the cemetery, from which the entire quarter acquired the name Alifakovac.
The tarih (chronogram) on the fountain, which the Sarajevo kadija Ahmet-effendi Jahjapašić erected in 1780 in memory of his son, was composed by Mejlija. That year, too, he erected a turbe (mausoleum) to his son Mehmed in the Alifakovac cemetery, along with another to the vizier Jusuf pasha Ćuprilić. Until the start of World War I the roof cladding on the turbes was lead, which was then stripped off and used for the purposes of the Austro-Hungarian army. In 1947 the turbes were clad with galvanized iron, which is now in extremely poor condition.
The cemetery in Alifakovac was in use as a burial ground from the 15th to the 20th century. Between 1941 and 1964, when the cemetery was turned into a memorial park, there were no burials.
Burials began there once again in 1993, during the war in BiH. It is still being used now for burials.
2. Description of the property
During a survey of the cemetery in April 2005, it was found that there are about 520 old nišan tombstones in the Alifakovac cemetery, in four cemetery plots. Of these, 85 old nišans bear their original epitaphs.
- Plot no. I (the plot with turbes) contains 276 old nišans, 50 of which have epitaphs.
- Plot no. II (the plot between Čeljigovići and Dž. Čelića streets) contains 101 old nišans, 19 of which have epitaphs.
- Plot no. III (the plot facing Babića Bašča) has 67 old nišans, of which 4 have epitaphs
- Plot no. IV (the plot between Dž. Čelića and Braće Morić streets) contains 76 old nišans, of which 12 have epitaphs.
The nišans are made of the local stone known as hreša, and most are of artistic value.
There are different types of nišan in the Alifakovac cemetery:
- Ulema nišans, marking the grave of scholars, with mušebek (mesh-like) turban, indicating highly educated persons such as a qadi, mufti, hafiz, mudarris (teacher in a madrasa), or with a plumed (bifurcate) turban, denoting other scholars;
- Dervish (sufis') nišans, which vary in type according to the Sufi order to which the deceased belonged: Mevlevi nišans have a turban tied with a number of horizontal folds and one or more oblique folds over; Naqshbandiyyah nišans have a conical turban, and so on;
- Aga nišans belonging to Janissary commanders, with a turban that is rather wider at the top, with several longitudinal folds;
- Pasha nišans, belonging to pashas, viziers and other senior dignitaries, with turbans with a four-sided pyramid cut short at the top, with thin, flat folds;
- Nišans with a fez, featuring from the mid 19th century on;
- Nišans of notable merchants, landowners and prominent people, with a pleated turban with one cross-fold;
- Nišans of artisans and craftsmen, with a pleated turban without cross-fold;
- Women's nišans in the form of a stele with the top rounded or saddlebacked, in the form of a richly decorated cap with rosette and floral designs.Women's small fezzes also feature.
The oldest nišans, assumed to date from the 15th and 16th century, are transitional in shape from the mediaeval stećak tombstone to the nišan. These are known as shahids' [martyrs'] nišans.
They are archaic in form and relatively large in size. Some are in the shape of a stele or of an obelisk with the top taking various shapes. This period also saw the first turbans topping the upright of the nišan, but no wider than it.
Shahids' nišans are decorated with symbolic designs in relief, a continuation of those featuring on stećak tombstones, such as arms to above the elbow, hands, bows and arrows, staffs, and swords. Shahids' nišans usually have no epitaph.
There are three such nišans in the Alifakovac cemetery, in plot no. 1, buried in the ground almost to the top, with symbols of a crescent moon and hemisphere.
There are a number of shahids' nišans in plot no. 4, massive in size, of crude workmanship, and topped with narrow turbans.
M. Mujezinović lists 221 nišans in the Alifakovac cemetery, 51 of them with the original text and a description of the nišan. The remaining 170 nišans have an epitaph giving the year of death and the name of the deceased. They fall into several categories:
1. Nišans described by Mujezinović and identified in April 2005 as being in the Alifakovac cemetery:
1211.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF HAJJI-MUSTAFA BEŠLIJA
The grave has a surround, and nišans, of which the headstone has a pleated turban with cross-fold (the nišan is 1.40 m high and 22 x 24 cm in section). The epitaph in Turkish verse is incised on one side of the nišan in eight lines. The script is rather small jali naskh.
«Ah death.
The name of hajji Bešlija was always distinguished,
For he led the way in generosity and good deeds.
He was a well-known merchant and benefactor,
Until at the call of the True One he left the transient house [this world]
And Džudija composed for him a fine, full chronogram:
Hajji Mustafa Bešlija has gone to jannah [heaven].
1211.» (1797)
اه من الموت
حاجي بشلي دائما اولدي صاحب نام شام
جود ايله احسان ايله بيش صف اسحيا
زمره تجار اولوب ضاحب الهيرات ايدي
امر حقله اولدي جون تارك دار فنا
رحلتي تاريخي يازدي جودي خوش و تام
اولدي عازم جنته بشلي حاجي مصطفي
سنة1211
1247.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF HATIDŽA HOMARIĆ
The epitaph is incised on an ordinary woman's nišan in bold naskh:
«He [God] is the eternal Creator.
The generous Homarićka loved the poor.
She has left this transient world
Hatidža-hanuma, daughter of Osman-effendi,
May she have a place in heaven.
This chronogram was made for her:
May the Merciful Creator have mercy on.
16 Rajab 1274.» (21 December1831)
هو الحلاق الباقي
حماريكقه جو مرد صوردي فقرائي
ترك ايتدي بو فاني دنيايي
خديجه جانم بنت عثمان افندي
جنتده اوله ديدم تاريخني
رب الرحيما ايلدي رحمت أني
سنة 1247 رجب 16
1176.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF SEJIDA MUSTAFA-AGA, SON OF THE BOSNIAN AGA
The headstone nišan, with an ulema turban with cross-fold, bears the following epitaph in bold ordinary naskh.
«Al-Fatiha. Deceased Sejid Mustafa-aga, son of the former Bosnian aga Muhamed-aga. 1176». (1762/63)
الفاتحة سابقا بوسنه اغاسي ايكن محمد اغا محدومي السيد مصطفي اغا روحنه سنة1176
1273.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF AHMED TEVFIK-BEG, SON OF A MUSTAFA-PASHA BABIĆ
Babić's grave has a sarcophagus with two nišans of miljevina limestone. The whole thing is decorated with floral and geometric designs. The headstone, with an ulema turban, is incised with this epitaph in prose in nasta'liq script:
«He [God] is the eternal Creator. Sejid Ahmed Tevfik-beg, son of miri-liva Sejid Mustafa-pasha Babić. May his soul rejoice. Recite Fatiha. 1273.» (1856/57)
هو الخلاق الباقي بابيك امير لوا سيد مصطفي باشانك مخدوم مكرملري سيد احمد توفيق بكك روح بر فتوحلري ايجون الفاتحة سنة 1273
1265.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MEHMED-AGA BIČAKČIJSKI KALFA-BAŠA
The nišan, an ordinary pleat, is incised with this epitaph in Turkish prose:
«Deceased Mehmed-aga, rest his soul bičakčijski kalfa-baša [chief supervisor of the knifesmiths' guild] 12 Sha'ban 1265.» (3 August 1849)
مرحوم و مغفور بجاقجي قلفه باشي محمد اغانك بن محرم روح ايجون الفاتحة سمة 1265 في 12 شعبان
1189.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF KADIJA SMAIL-EFFENDI ISEVIĆ
The nišan on the grave of Smail-effendi, cylindrical in form with no turban, is 1 m in height with a diameter of 12 cm. The prose epitaph is incised in six lines.
«Kadija Isević Ismail-effendi, rest his soul. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1189.» (1775/76)
مرحوم قضاة كرامدن عيسي زاده اسمعيل افندي روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1189
1177.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MAHMUD-AGA ŠONDRO OF OSTROVICA
The nišan bearing this epitaph has an ulema turban. The epitaph is incised in seven lines in bold naskh script.
«Ah, death. Native of Ostrovica Šondro Mahmud-aga. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1177». (1763/64)
اه من الموت اوسترويجه لي شوندروزاده محمود اغا روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1177
1214.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF KADIJA AHMED-EFFENDI FOČO
The headstone nišan (1 m high and 18 x 18 cm in section) has a mušebek turban. The prose epitaph is incised in fine naskh script in four lines.
«Deceased kadija Fočo Ahmed-effendi, rest his soul. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1214.» (1799/1800)
مرحوم و مغفور له قاضي فوجهوي احمد افندي روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1214
1258.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF ABDULAH-EFFENDI FOČO, KADIJA
The headstone nišan, with an ulema turban, bears this verse epitaph of eight lines.
«O death.
Honourable kadija, descendant of dignitary Sejid,
A resolute man, Fočo Abdulah-effendi
Has left this transient world
And gone to the house of delights.
Hatif, subtracting one, composed for him this chronogram:
Today they say: rest his soul.
1258.» (1842/43)
اه من النوت
اشراف قضاة نسل سيارت
فوجوي زاده صاحب مروت
عبد اه افندي فاني جهاندن
دار نعيمه ايلدي رحلت
بر جقدي هاتف فوتنه تاريخ
بو كون ديديلر روحنه رحلت
سنة 1257
1244.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MUSTAFA-AGE AHMEDAGIĆA
The headstone nišan, on which this epitaph in verse is incised, is 1.75 m high and 21 x 21 cm in section. Script: naskh. The grave has a surround.
«He [God] is the eternal Creator.
The respected and distinguished Sarajevo merchant,
Disciple of the path of truth, a gentle and generous man
By the name of Mustafa-aga Ahmedagić,
May he attain the mercy of the Merciful
with the help of the beauties of paradise
Inexorable fate came to him
And carried him off to the house of salvation.
Recite sura Ikhlas for his pure soul
This death chronogram was composed for Hajji-Mustafa-aga:
May the True One receive him in the paradise of Ma'wa.
1244.» (1828/29)
هو الخلاق الباقي
زبده ارباب تجار سراي هم معتبر
ملك راه حقيقت معدن حلم و سخي
يعني احمد اغا زاده مصطفي اغا بنام
رحمتي رحمانه واصل حورد غلمانه عونني
علم اخلاق حميده اينه لر امر محال
اول و نامير جرح غدار وعده هيج
قايدي بو جاني سلامت عازم دار السلام
........جهاني سيرا يدنلر.....
روحي باكي يوره اخلاص قيل ختم برين
روحه ........
يازدي حاجي مصطفي اغا فوتنك تاريخني
بولدي حقدن جنت مأوي مقر مسكني
سنة 1244
1208.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF FEJZULAH-EFFENDI ŠERIFOVIĆ
Šerif's grave has a surround with two nišans; the headstone is 1.40 m high and 23 x 23 cm in section, with a finely carved pleated turban with cross-fold. The epitaph is in Turkish verse, incised in jali naskh script in eight lines.
«He [God] is the eternal Creator.
Pride of kadijas, Nekib Sejida (Nekibul-ešraf),
That gentle man effendi Šerifović,
After tiring of his transient position
Opted for eternity.
Praying for the forgiveness of the Merciful One Who forgiveth [sins]
Nuri composed this chronogram for him with manqut letters adding one:
Fejzulah effendi has opted for the palace of felicity (na'im)
1208.» (1793/94)
هو الخلاق الباقي
هب قضاتك مفخري ساداته اولمشدي نقيب
يعني شريف زاده افندي اول حليم
جاه دنيادن او صندي قلدي عقبايه احرام
كندويي تأبيد ايده غفرانني رب رحيم
موتي تاريخن منقط بر له نوري سويلدي
اولدي فيض الله افندي عازم قصر نعيم
سنة 1208
1250.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF SEJID MUHAMED ŠERIFOVIĆ
The headstone nišan on which this epitaph is incised has a mušebek-turban. Script: naskh.
«He [God] is eternal. Honourable kadija Sejid Muhamed Hašim-effendi Šerifović, son of Fejzulah-effendi. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1250.» (1834/35)
هو الباقي اشراف قضاتدن شريف زاده السيد محمد هاشم افندي ابن فيض الله افندي روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1250
1248.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MUFTI ĆESRIJA
The headstone nišan of the deceased has a mušebek-turban and is incised on one side with this prose epitaph.
«The deceased, pardoned by God, Sejid Mehmed Šakir-effendi, son of Sejid Ahmed-effendi Ćesrija, mufti. May Allah forgive them both their sins. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. Rabi' al-Awwal 1248.» (29 July – 27 August 1832)
هو الله الباقي المرحوم و المغفور له مفتي السيد محمد شاكر افندي ابن السيد احمد مفتي افندي كسري زاده غفر الله لهما الفاتحة سنة 1247
1253.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF DERVIŠ SULEJMAN SAHANIJA
The headstone nišan (height 1 m, 20 x 19 in section) of the deceased has a handsome dervish's turban. The prose epitaph is incised in bold naskh script.
«He [God]. The beautiful rose, adornment of paradise, Sahanija dervish Sulejman. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1253.» (1837/38)
هو نقشي كول رونق جنان صحاني زاده درويش سليمان روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1253
1207.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MUDERIS MOSTARI [TEACHER FROM MOSTAR] AHMED-EFFENDI
The headstone nišan with ulema turban is incised with a six-line epitaph in naskh script.
«Ah death. Deceased native of Mostar Ahmed-effendi, muderis, rest his soul. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1207.» (1793/94)
اه من الموت مرحوم و مغفور له موستاري احمد افندي المدرس روحنه الفاتحة سنة 1207
1252.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF BABIĆ HAJJI-DERVIŠ OSMAN-BEG
The nišan with this epitaph has a turban of the kind found on the nišans of the Sokolović family. The script is a bold naskh.
«Deceased hajji Derviš Osman-beg Babić of Vrhprača, rest his soul, son of Ahmed-beg. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1252.» (1836/37)
المرحوم و الغفور له يايي زاده ويرخ براجه الحاج درويش عثمان بك ابن احمد بك روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1253
Note: Mujezinović reads the surname as „Babić“ instead „Jajić“ as in the tarih.
1296.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF NEFISA, DAUGHTER OF MEHMED
The nišan with this epitaph has a chamfered upright, with circles on both sides of the headstone to the upright, and below that the epitaph in Turkish prose:
«Ah, death. Deceased Nefisa, rest her soul, daughter of Mehmedaga, and wife of Mehmed-effendi, imam in Bistrik, 5 Dhu l-Qa'dah 1296..» (20 November 1879)
اه من الموت المرحومة والمغفورة لها بسترىقى امامى خواجه محمد افندىنك خليله سى نفيسه بنتمحمد اغا زوبر
زو بر روحيجون الفاتحة سنة1296
2. Nišans with epitaphs recorded in April 2005 in the Alifakovac cemetery in plots nos. 2, 3 and 4, which do not appear in Mujezinović's list:
1. Man’s nišan with partly illegible tarih. Derviš Ismail, 1231 (1815/16).
درويش اسمائل ....الله....سنة1231الفاتحة
2. Man’s nišan with epitaph.
هو الباقي مرحوم و مغفور له ....زاده الحاج صالح بن محمد روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1262
He is Eternal. Pardoned, rest his soul ... hajji Salih son of Mehmed. Fatiha for his soul. 1262 (1845/46).
3. Man’s nišan with large pleated turban and epitaph on three sides of the nišan. The epitaph on one side only is given here.
قصاة كرامدن مرحوم خيري زاده ابراهيم ادهم افندي روحيجون الفاتحة سمة 1230
Kadija, Hajrić Ibrahim Edhem-effendi, rest his soul. Fatiha for his soul.1230. (1814-1824). (the final digit of the year is indecipherable).
4. Woman’s nišan with tarih.
أه من الموت المرحومة و المغفورة لها امهانه بنت محمد روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1237
O death. Forgiven Umihana, rest her soul daughter of Muhamed. Fatiha for her soul.1237 ( 1821/22).
5. Man’s nišan with mušebak turban.
هو الباقي عيسي زاده محمد بن عثمان افندي ...
6.Man’s nišan with turban, partly sunken into the ground so that not all of the tarih can be seen.
اه من الموت مرحوم و مغفور له ... زاده عبدي اغا بن الحاج مصطفي بن محمد ...
O death. Forgiven... Abdi-aga, rest his soul, son of hajji Mustafa, son of Muhamed...
7. Man’s nišan with turban, which is on the ground, with this tarih:
....مرحوم و مغفور له مصطفي اغا بن عثمان اغا روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1253
...Forgiven Mustafa-aga, rest his soul, son of Osman-aga. Fatiha for his soul.1253 (1836/37).
8. Man’s nišan with turban bearing this epitaph:
اه من الموت المرحوم و المغفور مصطفي زاده درويش محمد اغا بن سليمان اغا روحيجون الفاتحة سنة
1241
O death. Forgiven dervish Mustafić Mehmed-aga, rest his soul, son of Sulejman-aga. Fatiha for his soul.1241 (1825/26).
9. Stone nišan sunken into the ground so that only part of the tarih can be seen.
هو الحي الباقي كل نفس ذائقة الموت المرحوم و المغفور له .....
He is the Living, the Eternal. All shall taste death. Forgiven, rest his soul ...
10. Man’s nišan with pleated turban and this epitaph:
اه من الموت الفاتحة المرحوم و المغفور له الحاج عبد الله اغا ابن ... الحاج سليمان روحيجون الفاتحة سنة
1226
O, death. Fatiha. Forgiven hajji Abdulah-aga, rest his soul son of .... hajji Sulejman-aga. 1226 (1811/12)
11. Man’s nišan with turban and partly legible epitaph.
اه من الموت المرحوم و المغفور له الحاج مصطفي بن الحاج ... اغا روحيجون الفاتحة....
O, death. Forgiven hajji Mustafa, rest his soul son of hajji ... aga. Fatiha for his soul....(rest of epitaph hidden by soil).
12. Man’s nišan with pleated turban and this epitaph.
اه من الموت المرحوم ة المغفور له ... بن آسم بن محمد روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1251 في ش 17
O, death. Forgiven . . . , rest his soul, son of Asim, son of Muhamed. Fatiha for his soul. 1251, 17 Sha'ban. (1835/36).
13. Man’s nišan with turban, broken and fallen to the ground.
اه من الموت كوروك اوغلي الحاج مصطفي روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1195
O, death. Čuruk hajji Mustafa. Fatiha for his soul. 1195 (1781/82)
14. Man’s nišan with turban knocked off and damaged epitaph:
المرحوم و المغفور له محمد بك ... بن ... ابراهيم ... روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1272 في رجب
Forgiven Mehmed-beg, rest his soul ... son of ... Ibrahima ... Fatiha for his soul. 1272 (1855/56), in Rajab.
15. Woman’s nišan with this epitaph:
هذا قبري فاطمه خاتون بنت مصطفي موشيك روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1285
This is the grave of Fatima-khatun. Daughter of Mustafa. Fatiha for her soul. 1285 (1868/69).
16. Woman’s nišan with this epitaph:
هو الباقي الفاتحة مرحومة و مغفورة لها نوري خانم بنت سفر بك دوقتار روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1267
He is Eternal. Fatiha. Forgiven Nura-hanuma, rest her soul, daughter of Sefer-beg Dukatar. Fatiha for her soul. 1267 (1850/51).
17. Woman’s nišan with this epitaph:
اه من الموت المرحومة و المغفورة لها شوفا امشيري زاده رزاق اغانك زوجسي ابلاغي...
O, death. Forgiven Šofa, rest her soul, wife of Imširović Rezak-aga, Ablaković ...(illegible).
18. Woman’s nišan with this epitaph:
مرحومه صفيه خاتون بنت مصطفي اغا ابلاقي روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1217 في 26 ص
Safija-khatun, rest her soul, daughter of Mustafa-aga Ablaković. Fatiha for her soul. 1217 (1802/03), 26 Safar
19. Man’s nišan with aga's turban bearing the following epitaph:
اه من الموت مرحوم و المغفور له ترأبو الحاج مصطفي اغا بن ملا درويش روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1224
O, death. Forgiven Trebo hajji Mustafa-aga, rest his soul, son of mullah Derviš. Fatiha for his soul. 1224 (1809/19).
20. Woman’s nišan bearing this epitaph:
هو الله الباقي المرحوم و المغفور لها حاجي عايشه قادين بنت مصطفي روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1221 رجب 2
He is Allah, the Eternal. Forgiven hajji Aiša-kaduna, rest her soul, daughter of Mustafa. Fatiha for her soul. 1221, 2 Rajab. (1806/07).
21. Man’s nišan with turban, partly sunken into the ground.
المرحوم و المغفور له .... عبد الله ابن احمد .....
Forgiven ... Abdulah, rest his soul, son of Ahmed ... (the rest of the epitaph is below ground).
22. Woman’s nišan with this epitaph.
المرحومة و المغفورة لها عائشه بنت عمر بن يايي زاده سنة 1222
Forgiven Aiša, rest her soul, daughter of Omer Jajić. 1222 (1807).
23. Woman’s nišan with this epitaph:
المرحومه الحاج محمد زوجه سي نفيثه خاتون بنت الحاج سليمان سوحنه زاده روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1216
Nefisa-khatun, rest her soul, daughter of hajji Sulejman Suhnić, wife of hajji Muhammed. Fatiha for her soul. 1216 (1801/02).
24. Man’s nišan with turban and barely decipherable epitaph.
هو الخلاق الباقي هذا قبر حليم بن عمر....سنة 1286
«He [is the eternal Creator. This is the grave of Halim son of Omer.... 1268 (1869/70).
25. Woman’s nišan
هذا قبر المرحومة و المغفورةا حفظة بنت مدرس محمد افندىرضاء لله الفاتحة سنة1288
This is the grave of the forgiven Hafiza, rest her soul, daughter of muderis Muhammed effendi. Fatiha for God's pleasure. 1288 (1871/72).
26. Man’s nišan with turban
اه من الموت المرحوم و المغفور له محمد بن حاجي صالح عفاغين روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1273
He is the eternal Creator. Forgiven hajji Sulejman-aga, rest his soul, son of hajji Muhamed. Fatiha for his soul. 1285 (1868/69).
27. Man’s nišan with turban, with this epitaph.
اه من الموت المرحوم و المغفور له محمد بن حاجي صالح عفاغين روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1273
O, death. Forgiven Muhammed, rest his soul, son of hajji Salih Afaghin. Fatiha for his soul. 1273 (1855/56).
28. Simple nišan with this epitaph:
اه من الموت المرحومة كول مصطفي اغا نك والده نك تاريخ مريم بنت احمد روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1241
O, death. Merjema, rest her soul, daughter of Ahmed, mother of Mustafa-aga. Fatiha for her soul. 1241 (1825/26).
3. M. Mujezinović recorded 170 nišans with full names and the year of death. In April 2005, 27 of these nišans were identified; the rest have not survived.
1.Mula Hasan-effendi, son of hajji Ali-effendi Vičo, d. 1 Rabi' al-Awwal 1257 (23 April1841). Mušebak nišan.
2. Mejrema, daughter of Abdulah Zildžić, 1282 (1865/66).
3. Nuri-khatun, daughter of Fejzaga, d. 7 Jumada 1283 (1866/67).
4. Fatima, daughter of Alijaga Degić, wife of mullah Ibrahim Žiga. Ordinary nišan but with grave surround. 1223 (1808/09).
5. Merjema, daughter of hajji Osman-aga Merhemija, d. 15 Jumada al-Awwal 1256 (8 February1849).
6. Merjema. Daughter of Koldžo Mehmed-aga. 11290 (1873/74).
7. Atija, daughter of hajji Ahmed-aga. 1278 (1861/62).
8. Atifa-hanuma, daughter of Abdulah Hajjimuratović. 1276 (1859/60)
9. Habiba-khatun, daughter of Muhamed Seid-effendi Hajrić, wife of Mehmed-beg Halilbašića, Zaim, d. 1238 (1822). Ordinary nišans.
10. Osman-aga, son of Ahmed-aga, 1250 (1834/35).
11. Derviš-hanuma, daughter of Sejid Abdulah-effendi Fočo. 1254 (1838/39).
12. Hajji Fatima Vasvija-hanuma, daughter of Sejid Muhamed Fadil-pasha, wife of the Zvornik miralaj Ibrahim, 27 Jumada al-Akhira 1269 (7 April 1853)
13. Fatima, daughter of Sejida Abdulaha Fočo. 1252 (1832/33).
14. Pride Mrs Ajša-hanuma, daughter of Mustafaga. 1278 (1861/62)
15. Šerifa-hanuma, daughter of Šerifovića Fejzulah-effendi, umrla 5. rebiul-evela 1270 (6.12.1853)
16. Rafija-hanuma, mother of pasha Šerifović. 1249 (1833/34).
17. Nefisa, daughter of hajji Ibrahim Klino, wife of Šehić mullah-Alije, d. 12 Sefer 1264 (19 January 1848).
18. Hajji Ibrahim Klino, son of alemdar Mehmed. 1260 (1844/45)
19. Man’s nišan with pleated turban and tarih.
اه من الموت هذا قبر طوليك زاده حاجي بيرام اغا بن حاجي محمد اغا روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1290
O, death. This is the grave of Tulić hajji Bajram-aga, son of hajji Muhamed-aga.
Fatiha for his soul. 1290 (1873/74).
20. Woman’s nišan with tarih.
هو الحي الباقي المرحومة و المغفورة لها قاوقجي محمد اغانك خليله سي امهانه خانم بنت الحاج احمد حسن اغيك روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1284
He is the Living, the Eternal. Forgiven Umuhana-hanuma, rest her soul, daughter of hajji Ahmed Hasanagić, wife of Kaukčija Mehmed-aga. Fatiha for her soul. 1284 (1867/68)
21. Woman’s nišan with this epitaph:
المرحومة شريفه حانم بنت محمد اغا طوله روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1282
Šerifa-hanuma, rest her soul, daughter of Mehmed-aga Tulo. Fatiha for her soul. 1282 (1864/65)
22. Man’s nišan with turban.
المرحوم و المغفور له سليمان بن احمد قاوقجي زاده عن محله محمد بك روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1220
Forgiven Sulejman, rest his soul, son of Ahmed Kaukčija of the Mehmed-beg mahala. Fatiha for his soul. 1220 (1805/1806)
23. Woman’s nišan with this epitaph:
... المرحومه و المغفورة لها نفيسه خانم بنت الحاج ابراهيم قاوقجي حاجي صالح امين اغا خليله سي روحيجون الفاتحه سنة 1266
....Forgiven Nefisa-hanuma, rest her soul, daughter of hajji Ibrahim Kaukčija, wife of hajji Salih Emin-aga. Fatiha for her soul. 1266 (1849/50)
24. Woman’s stone nišan with epitaph.
اه من الموت المرحومة و المغفورة لها فاطمه بنت خليل اغا روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1277
O, death. Forgiven Fatima, rest her soul,daughter of Halil-age. Fatiha for her soul. 1277, 5. Rabi'. (21 September 1860).
25. Man’s nišan with an alim's turban with mujawaz stripes.
اه من الموت المرحوم و المغفورله تحميص ذاده عمر اغا ن اسماعيل وحيجون الفاتحة سنة1238 فى 3 محرم
O death! Forgiven Tahmisi zade (Tahmiščija) Omeraga, rest his soul, son of Ismail. Fatiha for his soul. D. 3 Muharram 1238 (20 September 1822).
In M.Mujezinović's list this is incorrectly transcribed as „Omer son of hajji Mehmed“
26. Woman’s nišan with this epitaph:
اه من الموت المرحومة و المغفورة لها حاجه نائله خانم بنت مصطفي افندي اخسقه لي روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1256 ن
O, death. Forgiven hajji Naila-hanum, rest her soul, daughter of Mustafa-effendi Aksikali. Fatiha for her soul. 1256 (1840), Ramadan.
27. Simple stone nišan with partly damaged epitaph
اه من الموت المرحوم و المغفور له امنه خانم بنت ملا حسين قهرمانويج روحيجون الفاتحة سنة 1252
O, death. Forgiven Amina hanuma, rest her soul, daughter of mullah Husejn Kahrimanović. Fatiha for her soul. 1252 (1836/37).
4. Nišans described by Mujezinović but which are no longer in the Alifakovac cemetery:
1137.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF THE SARAJEVO MUNLA (no name)
A transcript of this epitaph has been preserved by Kadić (V, 238). He says that it was transcribed in 1918 from the nišan in the Alifakovac cemetery. During the survey, no tombstone with this epitaph was found
«This munla came from Istanbul,
And took up residence in Sarajevo.
He drank from the chalice of death from the Miljacka,
May the Creator plunge him into the ocean of His Mercy.
His chronogram was composed by Mantikija (Mantiki-zade):
He died in one thousand one hundred and thirty seven,
1137.» (1724/25)
As this shows, the epitaph does not give the name of the deceased, which is highly unusual for an epitaph.
1170.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MUSTAFA-BEG
The grave of the deceased has a surround with two nišans. The headstone nišan, with a čatal-turban (height 95 cm, section 18 x 18 cm), is incised with this epitaph in Turkish verse.
«Oh, sorrow, that Mustafa-beg has passed on to eternity,
May the Lord make his abode an exalted one.
Mejlijo composed his chronogram with a sigh:
May paradise, Firdaus, be the resting place of Mustafa-beg.
1170.» (1756/57)
Kadić (Zbornik, VII, 213) gives a transcription of this epitaph and says that Mustafa-beg was čauš-ćehaja (deputy communications officer).
The final line of the epitaph works out at 1169 AH, to which 1 should be added, as the author indicates in the penultimate line, to give 1170.
1172.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF ARIFA, DAUGHTER OF ABDULAH-EFFENDI
This epitaph too has been preserved by Kadić (Zbornik, VII, 234), who says he transcribed it from the nišan in 1911. There is now no tombstone with this epitaph.
«The first bud of the well-guarded paradise
Had not yet burst when the winds of fate destroyed it,
That is the fortunate daughter of Abdulah-effendi
The bird of paradise seized her as its acquaintance.
Seek no rest in this world, for time passes.
And thus by decree of the True One this deceased,
Like the moon, has gone to paradise, Firdaus,
And is now with the beauties of Eden.
But she has left her parents grieving,
The painter of destiny has left a wound on their hearts.
The sorrow of separation is best healed by patience.
May the house of good fortune (eternity) be her abode
And the beauties of paradise keep her company.
And may she be steeped in mercy at every moment.
Abid, utter a prayer [du'a] by way of chronogram:
Arifa, may she be with the elect in paradise.
1172.» (1758/59)
According to our calculations, the letters of the last hemistich do not give the chronogram in abjad.
1174.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MULLA-SULEJMAN
The headstone nišan on which this epitaph is incised is in the form of an ulema nišan; it is 80 cm high, with a cross-section of 17 x 17 cm. The script is handsome nasta'liq.
«Oh sorry, mullah Sulejman has passed away to eternity.
May the One True God make his grave a garden of paradise.
Mejlija composed his chronogram, subtracting one:
May Mulla Sulejman attain the mercy of the Merciful.
1174.» (1760/61)
The deceased's death is expressed in abjad and in figures below the text of the epitaph. The abjad total minus one gives the year 1174 AH.
1180.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF SALIH-BAŠA GORAŽDAK
Salih-baša's headstone nišan has an aga's turban, and the footstone nišan is octagonal. The grave has a surround, and the nišan with the epitaph is 1.1 m high with a cross-section of 16 x 16 cm. The script is naskh.
«Recite Fatiha. Deceased Goraždak Salih-baša, rest his soul. 1180». (1766/67)
1181.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF HAJJI-AHMED GAZGANIJA
The epitaph has been preserved in the Zbornik of M. Kadić (VII, 229). Kadić says of Ahmed-aga that he was buried in the large cemetery in Alifakovac, opposite the Tirmurhan mosque in Čiljegovići, but does not say that the epitaph was transcribed from the nišan.
«Musafir of the copper mine in Smederevo in the district of Rumelija,
In the well-known Kočani, he was emin about ten [years?]
After that he died, may God's forgiveness and mercy be upon him.
That is Gazgani hajji Ahmed has departed for eternity.
His heart was possessed by the struggle for truth on God's way
And as such he fought the enemy.
May the True One receive his soul in the ocean of His mercy and forgiveness,
And may the prophet [Muhammad] intercede for him on the Day of Judgment.
Nazarija, with a single stroke of the pen wrote his father's chronogram:
This nišan marks the present abode of hajji-Ahmed.
1181». (1767/68)
1184.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF REDŽEB-AGA, AGA OF BIHAĆ
A transcript of the epitaph has been preserved in the Zbornik of M. Kadić (VIII, 39), who, as he says, transcribed it from a broken nišan in the cemetery in Alifakovac on 7 April 1915. The tombstone no longer exists.
«The proud aga of Bihać, Redžeb-aga, known for his courage,
Had decided to make for Istanbul,
But his life was ended in this place,
He knew that this world is not the place of eternal
Abode and passed away into eternity.
In mujam letters I coomposed the chronogram of his death:
May Redžeb-aga be granted entry to paradise.
1184». (1770/71)
Here the poet does not give his pseudonym, but Kadić assumes the chronogram was composed by Mejlija.
Redžeb-aga was certain the commander of some military squad in the Bihać captaincy, and left for Istanbul as a havaledžija.
1184.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF JUSUF-EFFENDI
A transcript of the epitaph has been preserved in the Zbornik of M. Kadić (VIII, 39), who, as he says, transcribed it from a piece of a nišan in the Alifakovac cemetery. This nišan is no longer in the cemetery.
«Sadly, Jusuf-effendi, son of Mehmed-Emin,
Has passed away from the transient abode to the other world,
Mejlija composed this chronogram for the year of his death:
Jusuf-effendi has passed away into eternity.
1184». (1770/71)
The chronicler Bašeskija records the death in 1184 of the «yellow-chinned, beardless Jusuf-effendi, kadija of Mostar, who came to Sarajevo as a sick man and died there.» A sidžil (court record) of the Sarajevo kadija gives an inventory of the estate of the deceased kadija Jusuf-effendi, son of Mehmed-Emin, of the Careva mahala. On 19 July 1770 his estate was valued at 479.730 akčas. This included 20 volumes of books. (Bašeskija, Ljetopis, p. 140 and Sidžil XI, pp. 87 and 89).
1190.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF HAJJI-MUSTAFA, SON OF ISMAIL
Hajji-Mustafa's grave, with surround, has two nišans, the headstone (height 1 m, cross-section 18 cm) with a large, finely carved pleated turban with cross-fold, the footstone octagonal. The prose epitaph is incised in bold naskh script.
«Deceased hajji Mustafa, son of Ismail. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1190.» (1776/77)
1207.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF DALKILIĆ ALIJAGA DAGIĆ
Alijaga's grave has a surround with two nišan, of which the headstone (height 1 m, cross-section 23 x 26 cm) has an aga's turban. The footstone is rounded, with no turban. The prose epitaph is incised in handsome naskh script.
«O death, deceased Alijaga Dagić, Dalkilić, native of Sarajevo. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1207.» (1792/93)
1213.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF FATIMA HAŠIMOVIĆ
This ordinary woman's nišan, height 70 cm and cross-section 30 x 13 cm, is incised with this epitaph in Turkish prose, in handsome, bold jali naskh script.
«Al Fatiha [recite al-Fatiha].
The namesake of Mrs Zehra, like Rabi'ah [al-'Adawiyyah]
And in modesty and purity like Sarah
Drank of the chalice of death in the Hašimović garden,
Where she grew up like the green cypress, ancient jasmine and red rose,
When the winds of autumn blew through the world,
And carried the soul of the deceased to the gardens of paradise.
Inspired by Dćibril [Gabriel] Vehbija composed her chronogram:
May the palace of Firdaus be the abode of Fatima Zehra.
1213.» (1798/99)
1214.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF DALKILIĆ ABDULAH-AGA
Abdulah-aga's grave has a surround. The headstone nišan has an aga''s turban, and the footstone is octagonal. The headstone nišan is 1.20 m in height with a cross-section ofo 18 x 19 cm. The epitaph is in Turkish verse in naskh script.
«Sadly the respected aga
Has chosen eternity and yielded up his soul.
Abdulah-aga Hajjimustafić gave his soul in battle,
And was a hero of his time.
His chronogram comes out by subtracting four:
Dalkilić has gone to the garden of Eden.
1214.» (1799/1800)
1214.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MUFTI SULEJMAN EFFENDI
The headstone nišan with čatal turban, 1 m high and 23 x23 cm in cross-section, is incised with this prose epitaph in handsome bold naskh script.
«Deceased mufti Sulejman-effendi. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1214.» (1799/1800)
1217.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF ALEMDAR SOČO SULEJMAN
«I knew the transience of this world.
Friend, do not let time delude you.
They called me alemdar and I was the Solomon of my day,
My surname was Sočo and so I was known by my friends,
Zvali su me alemdarom i bio sam Solomon
Reflect on my position and passing from this world.
Pray for Allah's help that he bestow paradise upon me
I died in one thousand two hundred and seventeen
I ask all to remember me by reciting the Qur'an [Fatiha]
1217.» (1802/803)
1218.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF ZULFIKAR-BEG FAZLAGIĆ
The headstone nišan, which is of fine workmanship decorated with a leaf and branchlet, is 1.20 m high and 21 x 21 in cross-section. It is incised with this epitaph in verse in naskh script.
«Rose of Sarajevo, henedan of old,
That is Fazlagić known far and wide,
Day and night he sought to acquire knowledge
And as thus achieved the rank of shahid,
He was endowed with fine traits, Amir-Adib
And his good traits cannot be numbered.
Oh Merciful [Lord] forgive him [his sins] and shower him with mercy
Open for him all eight doors of paradise.
With manqut [dotted] letters Nuri composed his death chronogram
May the pure soul of Zulfikar-beg rejoice.
1218.» (1803/804)
1220.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF FEJZULAH-AGA BUREK
The headstone nišan with an ulema turban is 1 m and and 20 x 20 cm in cross-section. It is incised with this epitaph in verse in fine naskh script.
«Al Fatiha.
Sadly, Burek Fejzulah-aga, son of hajji-Ahmed,
Has taken up abode in jannah for which he yearned.
When he heard the chords of the call of the True One,
He yielded up his soul and exultant went to the house of delights (na'im)
And his soul winged its way to the Arsh [throne] of the True One.
On the day of resurrection, may the noble Prophet intercede for him.
Subtracting one, Nazari composed this chronogram with a stroke of the pen:
May the Merciful Creator give the deceased abode in Firdaus.
1220.» (1805/806)
1224.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF HAJJI-SULEJMAN HAJROVIĆ
The headstone nišan, on which this epitaph is incised, has an ulema turban, and the footstone is octagonal with pyramidal apex. The script is naskh.
«Almighty Allah forgive [the sins] of Amir hajji-Sulejman
Hajrović who was imam, hafiz, qurra' [Qur'an reciter].
The chronogram of his death is composed in the words:
May the Prophet [Muhammad] intercede for him.
He died on 1 Safar 1224.» (18 March 1809)
1225.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF HALIL-BEG DUKATAR, ZAIM
Kadić (XVII, 327), who transcribed this epitaph, does not say from where he did so. He merely notes, with the epitaph, that the deceased was buried in the large cemetery in Alifakovac.
«A man who was known for his neatness
Known to the people as Dukatar.
All the obligations of the zijamet of his life
Were removed by the ruler of dignitaries and commons
May He Who forgives sins forgive him too
And may He shower him eternally with His mercy.
Nuri composed his chronogram in full manqut:
May God bestow jannah on Halil-beg.
1225.» (1810/11)
1226.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF HAJJI-MUHAREM, SERDENGEČDIJA
The headstone nišan, with an aga's turban, is incised with this epitaph in verse, in naskh script.
«[Recite] Fatiha for his soul.
Be cautious, for this world is not eternal.
But many do not even dream [reflect] on this.
This is the grave of hajji-Muharem-aga, Delal-aga, serdengečdija.
The hour of his departure to the mercy of God is contained in these words:
«Oh, sorrow. 1226.» (1811/12)
1227.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF AHMED EFENDI-DUPNIČANIN
The headstone nišanu, with an ulema turban, 90 cm high and 20 x 18 cm in cross-section, is incised in bold naskh script with the following prose epitaph:
«Deceased Dupničanin hajji Ahmed-effendi, muderis, son of Mustafa. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1227.» (1812/13)
Ahmed-effendi, a native of the village of Dupnice, in the Zvornik kadilik, was muderis in the Gazi Husref-beg medresa, a post to which he was appointed on 12 June 1765 and held for 47 years. He was also shaikh of the Husref-beg khaniqah. The chronicler Bašeskija describes him as one of the erudite men of his day.
1232.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF ISEVIĆ MEHMED EMIN-EFFENDI
Isević's grave has a surround with two nišan, of which the headstone (height 1.50 m and cross-section 12 x 22 cm) has a mušebek-turban and the footstone is octagonal. The epitaph is in verse, in 13 lines, in jali naskh script.
«Let us recite Fatiha for the soul of the deceased.
There is no divinity other than God, and He is sufficient for ome.
Do not pass by Isević's grave empty-handed
But recite and complete the recitation of sura al-Ikhlas [God is One]
This blessed grave is illumined
And people are charged by its light.
Seeking eternity he passed on to the next world.
O Lord, for this reason may he be waited upon
by the virgins and lads of paradise.
Vehbija, sorrowing for the deceased, composed
For the deceased a fine chronogram in jawhar [jewel] letters:
The guardian of jannah, Firdaus, will truly say:
Come into the gardens of Firdaus, Mehmed-Emin Isević.
1232.» (1816/17)
Isević Mehmed was a well-known figure, a kadija and poet who wrote under the pseudonym Emin. He also composed many chronograms, including, together with Vehbija, one to the poet Mejlija.
1239.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF KADIJA HAJRIĆ ABDULAH
This prose epitaph is incised on a finely-executed headstone nišan with mušebek-turban, in naskh script. The grave has a surround.
«Ah, death. Abdulah Akif-effendi Hajrić, honourable kadija. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 10 Shawwal 1239.» (8 June 1824)
1242.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF SEJID AHMED KAJSARLIJA
The tombstone bearing this epitaph has a čatal-turban. The epitaph is incised on two sides of the nišan.
«O death.
Sejid Ahmed, son of Jusuf Kajsarlija,
Of noble lineage, descendant of Shaikh Ibrahim Anadoli,
Came and took up residence in Sarajevo
Where the hour of death came to him and he yielded up his soul.
[Recite] Fatiha for his soul.
When you visit his grave, do not grieve,
But recite Fatiha for the soul of the deceased.
He who prays composed his chronogram in du'a:
May the deceased's abode be in paradise.
1242.» (1826/27)
1243.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF HAVA, WIFE OF OMER-AGA FAZLAGIĆ
This epitaph in verse is incised on an ordinary woman's nišan.
«All shall taste of death.
Wife of Omer-aga of the well known Fazlagić family
Has departed to the eternal home,
She fasted constantly (saumi daim)
And until one thousand two hundred and forty three
Day and night mentioned God sincerely.
May the Almighty True Creator forgive her [her sins].
Fadil composed her jawhar chronogram:
May Hava-hanuma's abode be in the rose garden of paradise.
Dul l-Hijjah 1234.» (26 June – 24 July 1827)
1244.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF NAFIZ ALI-EFFENDI
The headstone nišan, with ulema turban, is incised with this epitaph in verse in fine naskh script.
«O, death.
Sadly, this well known gentleman hafiz Ali-effendi
Has left this world and gone to the house of salvation.
He spent his life in acquiring knowledge and virtues,
And may the Creator forgive him [his sins] on the day of Resurrection
And may he have mercy upon him.
On the Day of Judgment may he be in the shadow of the Throne.
Šakir, in praise of the deceased, composed his chronogram:
May Ali-effendi have a place in paradise, Firdaus.
1244.» (1828/29)
1254.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MIR-MUHAMED SON OF MUSTAFA-PASHA
This nišan, resembling those of the Sokolović's, is incised with an epitaph in verse on two sides of the headstone, in jali naskh script.
«Listen, dear friend, to whom this resting place
like the gardens of paradise belongs
That is, to Mir-Muhamed, son of Sejid Mustafa-pasha.
He was like a rose-bud that has not yet opened,
They said: may Muhamed-beg have a place in jannah.
9 Shawwal1254.» (26.XII 1838)
1259.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF HAFIZ OSMAN-EFFENDI
The headstone nišan (1.50 m in height with a cross-section of 20 x 21 cm) bears a very simple, modest epitaph in verse. The nišan has a mušebek-turban.
«Chronogram of the death of hafiz Osman-effendi, may God's great mercy be upon him. 25 Sha'ban 1259.» (19 September 1844)
1261.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF ATIJA, DAUGHTER OF MUSTAFA
This ten-line epitaph is incised on an ordinary woman's nišan.
«Ah, death.
Deceased Atija, rest her soul
Daughter of Mustafa-aga, known as Hamza,
May the Creator of the world forgive her [sins] on the Day of Judgment.
May the deceased Atija have a place in paradise, Firdaus.
27 Safar 1261.» (29 February 1845)
1261.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MUDERIS HAJJI-MUHAMED GORO
The headstone nišan, on which the epitaph is incised, has an ulema turban.
«Ah, death. God is the eternal Creator. Deceased honourable muderis hajji Muhamed Hilmi-effendi Goro, rest his soul, son of Ibrahim. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1261.» (1845/46)
1262.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF SEJID ALIJA ŠERIFOVIĆ
The deceased's grave has a surround with two nišans, of which the headstone has a cross-folded turban. The epitaph in verse is incised in twelve lines in naskh script.
«He [God] lives eternally.
Observe the world with this message
For this world is none other than temptation and trial.
So do not bind your heart to it.
Šerifović, aware of its transience,
Exultantly chose eternity.
On a stone plaque his condition is incised.
May his visitors recite Fatiha for him.
For the truth of our Creator, his chronogram was composed:
Bestow jannah on Sejid Alija Šerifija.
Shawwal 1262.» (22 September – 20 October 1846)
1263.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF ISA-BEG SON OF IBRAHIM-EDHEM
In the large Alifakovac cemetery is this headstone nišan of Isa-beg's, of modest size, with a turban, bearing this epitaph incised on two sides of the nišan in bold naskh script:
«Deceased Isa-beg, the young son of Ibrahim-Edhem. [Recite] Fatiha for his soul. 1263.» (1846/47)
1291.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF ŠERIFA, DAUGHTER OF ŠERIF-HAFIZ –MEHMED
This epitaph is on an ordinary woman's nišan, in naskh script.
«He [God] lives eternally.
Do not be deluded by this transient world,
For the soul will not remain eternally in the body.
Do not foster the love of this world,
And mention God at every moment.
Deceased Šerifa, rest her soul,
Daughter of Šerif-hafiz Mehmed-effendi.
[Recite] Fatiha for her soul.
10 Rabi' al-Akhira 1291.» (27 May 1874)
1291.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF HAJJI-FERHAT-BEG ASITANELI
The fez has been knocked off the headstone nišan, on which this epitaph is incised. The nišan is 1.50 m high and 12 x 25 cm in cross-section.The stone is miljevina limestone (vodeni nišans). The script is naskh.
«He [God] liveds eternally. He who has visited Syria and the Yemen is not the stranger, but he who lies in a shroud in the grave. Deceased hajji Ferhad-beg Carigradlija [of Istanbul], rest his soul, kajmekam of the Imperial army of the first alaj [regiment] of the Bosnian infantry. 17 Rabi' al-Akhira 1291.» (30 May 1874)
(Undated)
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF MUDERIS-EFFENDI
The flat headstone nišan, with ulema turban, is incised with an epitaph in prose in fine naskh script. The nišan is damaged, with the year missing.
«He [God] is eternal. (The deceased) was one of the most erudite, most honourable and respected muderises, Mehmed-effendi. Recite for his soul Fatiha..»
The Alifakovac cemetery contains a further 181 nišans with epitaphs. However, they are standard epitaphs with the same text, other than the names and dates. These epitaphs reveal that the following persons were also buried in the Alifakovac cemetery:
- Islam-aga. His headstone nišan has an aga's turban. 1165 (1751/52).
- Hajji Ahmed Šehić (Šejhi-zade). Ordinary nišan. 1173 (1759/60).
- Derviš Hasan. Turban knocked off and missing. 1173 (1759/60).
- Husejin, son of the former Bosnian aga Muhamed-aga, 1176 (1762/63).
- Sejid Ali-beg, son of the former Bosnian aga hajji Muhamed, 1177 (1763/64).
- Hasan-baša Uskupli (Skopljak). The headstone nišan has an aga's turban, 1177 (1763/64).
- Hajrić Ali-effendi; 1190 (1776/77).
- Šerifa Mušfika, daughter of Hasan-effendi Baki-zade. Ordinary nišan 1200 (1785/86)
- Tatar Ibrahim-aga, d. 5 Jumada al-Awwal 1206 (31 December 1791).
- Hajji derviš sari Mustafa, son of Mustafa; 1207 (1792/93).
- Mula Mustafa Softić. Nišans with ordinary turban; 1210 (1795/96).
- Asitaneli (Carigradlija) Seid-effendi, son of Mehmed. 1212 (1797/98).
- Arifa, daughter of Mustafa-beg, wife of Alijaga Dagić. Ordinary woman’s nišans, height 70 cm and cross-section 11 x 35 cm; grave with a surround. 1213 (1798/99).
- Mula Ahmed, son of Nezir Nišans with ordinary turban 1214 (1799/1800).
- Šerifa Fatima, daughter of kadija Sulejman-effendi. Ordinary nišans 1214 (1799/1800).
- Safija, daughter of Ali-čauš. Ordinary nišans; script: naskh. 1218 (1803/804).
- Umihana (Umija), daughter of Muharem-aga. Ordinary nišans; script: naskh. 1218 (1803/804).
- Husejin-aga Sokolija (Sokoli), son of hajji-Ahmed, d. 7 Rabi' III 1222 (14 June 1807).
- Sahanija Ibrahim-aga, son of hajji-Mehmed, 2 Ramadan 1222 (14 June 1807).
- Alijaga Kumuri-oglu. The headstone nišan has a leaf on the turban, as with the Sokolović's. 1223 (1808/809).
- Fatima, daughter of Alijaga Dgić, wife of mula-Ibrahim Žiga. Ordinary nišans, the grave with a surround. 1223 (1808/809).
- Ahmed Huršid-aga, son of Abdulah-aga. Ordinary nišans. 1224 (1809/810).
- Mustafa, son of Salih. Headstone nišan with ordinary turban. 1224 (1809/810).
- Hajji Abdulah-aga Kaukčija, son of mula-Derviš, d. 11 Ramadan 1229 (27 August 1814). Headstone nišan with an aga's turban.
- Abdulah Zuber, son of mula-Mehmed. Nišans with cross-fold. 1229 (1813/14).
- Mula Husein-baša Skopljak (Skopjevi), son of Husein-baša. Ordinary nišans with surround. 1229 (1813/14).
- Hajji Ajiša-kaduna, daughter of Mustafa, d. 10 Rabi' al-Akhira 1230 (11 March 1815).
- Nefisa-hatun, daughter of hajji-Abdulah. Ordinary nišans. 1231 (1815/16).
- Hajji Mustafa Goro, baš aga, son of Omer, d. 20 Jumada II 1235 (8 April 1820) Nišan headstone with an aga's turban.
- Ajiša, daughter of Omer-beg Babić. Ordinary woman’s nišans. 1235 (1819/20).
- Hajji Alija Prešljo, son of hajji-Ahmed. Nišans the work of stonemasons. 1236 (1820/21).
- Sulejman-aga Ablaković (Ablagi-zade), son of hajji-Mehmed. The headstone nišan has an aga's turban. 1237 (1821/22).
- Omer-aga Tahmiščić (Tahmisi-zade), son of hajji-Mehmed, d. 3 Muharram 1238 (20 September 1822). Headstone nišan tall, with a leaf on the turban and striped mudževez.
- Hajji Mustafa-aga Hajjihusejinović. Nišan with ordinary turban 1238 (1822/23).
- Hajji-Šakir Mustafa Rakovčanin (Rakovi-zade), son of hajji-Abdulah-aga, d. 15 Shawwal 1239 (13 June 1824). The headstone nišan is 1 m in height with a cross-section of 18 x18 cm.
- Fatima, daughter of hajji-Abdulah-aga Kaukčija (Kaukči-zade). The epitaph begins with the words: «Qulu nafsin dhaiqat al-mawt» - All shall taste of death (Qur'an 21:35). Ordinary nišans 1239 (1823/24).
- Muhamed Kazaz, son of Ibrahim. Ordinary nišans. 1239 (1823/24).
- Hajji Ibrahim Kaukčija (Kaukči), son of Mehmed, 1241 (1825/26).
- Hajji Musatafa-aga Hamamdžić, son of Mehmed, d. 23 Muharram 1242 (27 August 1826). Ordinary nišans.
- Ibrahim, son of Salih. Nišan with ulema turban. 1245 (1829/30).
- Alija, son of Fejzulaha of Peći (Ipekli). 1246 (1830/31).
- Fatima, daughter of Ibrahim-aga Tralja. Ordinary nišans. 1250 (1834/35).
- Mehmed, son of Osman of the village of Kaja, in the kadiluk of Gumuldžin. 1251 (1835/36).
- Mustafa, Alemdar, son of Sulejman-spahija. Ordinary nišans. 1252 (1836/37).
- Mula Husejin Agić, son of Rizvan. 1252 (1836/37).
- Hajji Salih Henda, tabak [tanner], son of mula-Avdija. 1252 (1836/37).
- Hajji Mustafa-aga, sarač [saddler], son of Mehmed, d 1 Muharram 1252 (29 April 1836).
- Fatima-Pasha, daughter of Mehmed, alemdar. 1252 (1836/37).
- Mehmed Zuber, son of Ahmed. 1252 (1836/37).
- Salih-aga Kaukčija (Kaukči-zade), son of hajji-Sulejman, d. 25 Muharram 1253 (1 May 1837).
- Abdulah-aga Prešljo, son of hajji-Alija. A sword is carved to the left of the epitaph. Nišans with ordinary turban. 1253 (1837/38).
- Muhamed-aga Aganagić, son of hajji-Salih. Ordinary nišans. 1254 (1838/39).
- Derviš Rustem, alajbeg, son of Mehmed-beg Grbavac, former alajbeg of the Zvornik sandžak. Dervish nišans, d. 2 Safar 1255 (17 April 1839). Grave with surround.
- Hajji Naila-hanuma, daughter of Mustafa-effendi Aksikali (Achsikali), d. 9 Ramadan 1256 (4 November 1840).
- Osman-beg, son of Mahmud-beg Osmanpašić. Nišans with čatal-turban. 1257 (1841/42).
- Abdul-effendi Čato (Katibi), d. 12 Dhu l-Hijjah1258 (14 January 1843).
- Atifa, daughter of Ibrahim. 1260 (1844/45).
- Hanifa-hanuma, daughter of mula-Sulejman, wife of Prešljo hajji-Alija. 1260 (1844/45).
- Mustafa, son of mula-Abdulaha Ćate (Kato). Ulema nišans. 1262 (1845/46).
- Ibrahim Zaim-beg, son of hajji-dervish Osman-beg Babić. 1262 (1845/46).
- Hava-hanuma, daughter of Mehmed-beg, d. 10 Rabi' I 1264 (22 August 1848).
- Ajiša, daughter of Mehmed-effendi Begimam, d. 22 Ramadan 1264 (22 August 1848).
- Đul-hanuma Merjema, daughter of Šerif-effendi, d. 7 Rabi' II 1264 (13 March 1838).
- Fatima, daughter of derviš-Ibrahim. 1264 (1847/48).
- Hašema-hanuma, daughter of Salih-aga Goro, d. 17 Rabi' I 1265 (10 February 1849)
- Fatima, daughter of Osman Softić, d. 11 Ramadan 1265 (31 July 1849).
- Rakovalić (Rakovali) mula Ismail, son of Abdulah Hajdar-effendi. Ulema nišans. 1265 (1848/49).
- Hanki-Hanifa, daughter of Mustafa Goro (Goro-zade). 2 Muharram 1266 (18 November 1849).
- Kaukčije, d. on the Sultan's nawroz (first day of spring). 1266 (1849/50).
- Mula Junus Kramarević, son of hajji-Salih. 1266 (1849/50).
- Mula Salih Zuber, sarač, son of Mehmed. 1267 (1850/51).
- Umihana, daughter of Salih, wife of hajji-Šehić. 1268 (1851/52).
- Mula Ahmed Ćato (Kato), son of mula-Abdulah. Ulema nišans. 1268 (1851/52).
- Hajji Abdulah-aga Kumašin, ćehaja of the goldsmiths (zergeran kethudasi). Epitaph in verse, barely legible. D. Safar 1270 (between 3 November and 1 December 1853).
- Kodža Neretljak Mustafa, son of Abdulah, d. 15 Rajab 1270 (13 April 1854). Nišans 1 m in height and 18 x 18 m in cross-section. Fez of a military figure.
- Mehmed-aga, son of Šerif. 1270 (1853/54).
- Kaukčija (Kaukci-zade), Muhamed-aga, son of hajji-Sulejman. 1270 (1853/54).
- Tolo hajji Mustafa, son of Mehmed-aga. 1270 (1853/54).
- Salih Sami-effendi, baš-katib mehkeme, son of Ibrahim Hilmi-effendi, d. 7 Rajab 1272 (14 March 1856).
- Umihana, daughter of mula-Ahmed. 1272 (1855/56).
- Mehmed, son of hajji-Saliha Afaga. 1272 (1855/56).
- Mula derviš Ibrahim Kumašin, son of Abdulah-aga 1272 (1855/56).
- Fatima, daughter of hafiz Ahmed-effendi. Ordinary nišans. 1272 (1855/56).
- Hajji hafiz Abdulah Tahir-effendi Goro, son of hajji-Mehmed Ali-effendi. Mušebek nišans with cross-fold. 1272 (1855/56).
- Fatima-hatun, daughter of Omer-aga. 1272 (1855/56).
- Nafisa-hanuma, daughter of Salih Grbo, wife of hajji-Salih Kramar. 1273 (1855/56).
- Muharem-aga Kumašin, sahačija (clockmaker), son of Mehmed. Ordinary pleated nišans, height 1 m and cross-section 18 x 18 cm. 1273 (1855/56).
- Nazif Osman-effendi Medeni, son of Mehmed of the Careva (Hunkar) mahala. 1274 (1857/58).
- Sejid Mustafa-aga Zildžić (Zildži-zade), son of Salih-aga. 1274 (1857/58).
- Kodža Mustafa, native of Travnik, son of Abdulah, d. 15 Muharram 1275 (25 August 1858)
- Hava-hanuma, daughter of hajji-Sulejman. 1275 (1858/59).
- Atifa-hatun, daughter of hajji-Emin-aga Kaukčija. 1275 (1858/59).
- Mula Sejfulah Vičo, son of Husejin. 1275 (1858/59).
- Umihana-hanuma, daughter of Šahinagić. 1275 (1858/59).
- Mehmed-beg Alijagić, son of Salih.
- Alijaga Ćureković, son of Halil-aga. 1276 (1859/60).
- Mustafa Goro, son of Abdulah-agin, grandson of Ibrahim-aga, 1 Shawwal 1276 (22 April 1860).
- Derviš-hajji Mustafa-effendi, son of Osman, d. 12 Muharram 1277 (31 July 1860). Ulema nišans, 1 m in height and with cross-section of 20 x 20 cm. Rounded footstone.
- Fatima-hanuma, daughter of Abdulah-effendi Ćesrija (Kesri-zade), d. 15 Ramadan 1278 (16 March 1862).
- Ablagija Mustafa, son of hajji-Mehmed, 1279 (1862/63).
- Adem, son of Hajrulah, a merchant from Đakovica. Miljevina limestone nišans. 1279 (1862/63).
- Mustafa-aga Talirević, son of Muhamed-aga, 7 Jumada al-Awwal 1279 (31 October 1862).
- Doksan altili mula Salih, son of Mehmed. 1279 (1862/63).
- Jusuf Tuzlak (Tuzleli), of the village of Puračići, son of Hasan Dugonjić. Nišans of miljevina limestone (vodeni). 1280 (1863/64).
- Ahmed-aga, son of Mustafa. 1280 (1863/64).
- Hajji Mehmed Zec, son of hajji-Mustafa, d. 11 Rabi' I 1281 (14 August 1864).
- Nefisa, daughter of hajji-Abdulah Panjo (Pano-zade), 1281 (1864/65).
- Mahmudkadić Salih-aga, son of Mustafa-aga. Ulema nišans. 1281 (1864/65).
- Hašema, daughter of Lutfulah. 1281 (1864/65).
- Fatima, daughter of Zejnil, wife of Čengić Abdulahamid. Nišani of miljevina decorated with flowers. 1282 (1865/66).
- Hajji Mehmed Tahir-effendi, mualim. Nišans mušebek.
- Nadira-hanuma, wife of the mufetiš of the Bosnian vilayet Kamil-effendi, d. 9. Jumada II 1283 (19 October 1866). Nišans of miljevina, decorated.
- Fatima, daughter of Osman, d. 15 Jumada al-Akhira 1283 (25 October 1866).
- Bekir Pilav, son of hajji-Salih, a native of Foča. D. 17 Jumada II 1283 (27 October 1866). Nišans of miljevina with decorated edges.
- Arifa, daughter of Ibrahim-effendi Hajrić (Hajri-zade). 1283 (1866/67).
- Beg-zade Begović hajji Salih, son of Mehmed. Dervish nišans. 1283 (1866/67).
- Mustafa-Zuhdi, son of Salih. 1285 (1868/69).
- Hajji Mustafa-beg, son of Ahmed, 1285 (1868/69).
- Hajji Šakir Goro, son of hajji-Mehmed-effendi. Ulema nišans. 1285 (1868/69).
- Mejrem-hatun, daughter of hafiz Ibrahim-effendi. 1285 (1868/69).
- Hanifa-hatun, daughter of hajji-Abdulah. 1285 (1868/69).
- Derviš-aga Aganagić, son of Ibrahim-aga. 1 Shawwal 1286 (4. I 1870).
- Atifa-hatun, daughter of Mustafa-aga Ablagija (Ablaković). 1287 (1870/71).
- Vejsil-aga, son of Salih-beg. 1287 (1870/71).
- Hašema-hatun, daughter of hajji-hafiz Mehmed-effendi Kalabo, mualim (havadžei inas), 1288 (1871/72).
- Hava, daughter of hajji Bego, wife of Huršid-aga. 1288 (1871/72).
- Zlatka, daughter of Mustafa. 1290 (1873/74).
- Hajji Musatafa, son of hajji-Muid. 1290 (1873/74).
- Amina-hatun, daughter of Abdulah, wife of Ahmed-ćata Trebinlija. 1290 (1873/74).
- Rukija-hanuma, daughter of hafiz Mehmed Salih, wife of the Uskupli kajmekam (of Skoplje) Omer-effendi. 1292 (1875/76).
- Mehmed Vehbi-effendi Ablaković, son of Abdiaga. 1292 (1875/76).
- Abdulah Slinić, son of Ibrahim-aga. 1292 (1875/76).
- Husein-haki, son of juzbaša Manastirlija. Nišans with fez. 1292 (1875/76).
- Husejin, son of Hamidov, of Prizren, from the village of Burje. 1293 (1876/77).
- Rukija-hanuma, daughter of hajji-Mustafa-effendi, of the Mahala Ivlakovali hajji Mehmed (Vlakovci), 1293 (1876/77).
- Hajji Mustafa-aga Kalfabašić, son of Mehmedaga.
- Hajji Veli-beg Karahisarli, kajmekam of the III horde of the Bosnian Imperial army, 1 Jumada al-Awwal 1294 (14 May 1877). Nišans of miljevina with faz.
- Hajji Mustafa Goro, son of hajji-Mehmed. 1295 (1878/79).
- Abdulah Hilmi-effendi, son of Mustafa-Sabrija. Ulema nišans. 1297 (1879/80).
- Hajrulah Đakovčanin, son of hajji-Mustafa, 1297 (1879/80).
- Mustafa-aga Bakarević, son of Salih-aga. 1297 (1879/80).
- Ziba, daughter of hajji-Hamid Ćesarija. 1298 (1880/81).
- Zahida, daughter of Ali-effendi Hromo. 1298 (1880/81).
The Turbes occupy a central position in the cemetery. They are two open-sided domed turbes, both containing a single grave with surround.
The turbes are similar, consisting of a pedestal, four stone columns, a drum and a dome. The pedestals are square, with the sides measuring 3.20 m, and are 0.50 cm in height. They are composed of cut stone slabs joined by iron cramps. The four stone columns are set at the four corners of the pedestal and support the arches and dome. The columns consist of a base, column and capital, and are simple in execution. The bases of the columns measure 0.40 x 0.40 m, and the columns themselves are 2.21 m in height to the base of the arches. The columns are circular in cross section, with a diameter of approx. 0.30 m. Ties consisting of flat wrought iron run through the capitals of the columns. The arches are depressed, with the vertex of the arch at a height of 1.32 m. The arches link the columns on all four sides and support the octagonal drum, which is 1.30 m in height, and clad with galvanized iron, and the dome.
The upper turbe was erected in 1780 by the Sarajevo kadija Ahmed Jahjaefendić, as a mark of respect for Jusuf-pasha Ćuprilić(4). By tradition, he opposed the Turkish authorities, who condemned him to death, but he fled and came to Sarajevo, where he lived anonymously until his death in 1747. In this turbe the headstone nišan was smaller, with a turban and without an epitaph.
The lower turbe was built in 1780 by the Sarajevo kadija Ahmed Jahjaefendić to his prematurely deceased fourteen-year-old son Muhamed. His grave has two nišans, without turbans, and on the headstone nišan was an epitaph in verse dating form 1780 composed by the Sarajevo poet Mehmed Mejlija.
1194.
EPITAPH ON THE NIŠAN OF JAHJAEFENDIĆ IN THE TURBE IN ALIFAKOVAC
The cylindrical nišan, with a height of 145 and a diameter of 16 cm, with no turban, is incised with this epitaph in verse in jali naskh script:
«To the mulla of Sarajevo Jahjaefendić,
the namesake of the Lord of both words, Ahmed,
God bestowed a son, who distinguished himself in upbringing
And intelligence among his peers. It was in this city
That his life ended, and as a bachelor he chose eternity.
May God have mercy on his pure soul and
may his eternal abode be in paradise.
When two men came in prayer, they composed his chronogram thus:
May Muhamed be lord in the eternal Egypt.
1194.» (1779/80)
The Alifakovac fountain is at the start of the Alifakovac cemetery.
It is built of blocks of hreša stone and has a large stone trough cut from a single block of hreša.
The fountain is 1.97 m in height, 1.53 m in length and 1.09 m in width. The waterpipe is of cast iron and is 66 cm above ground level. The stone trough measures 0.64 x 1.07 m with a height of 0.40 m.
1194.
INSCRIPTION ON THE FOUNTAIN BY THE ALIFAKOVAC CEMETERY
The inscription, in Turkish verse, is incised on a stone plaque measuring 40 x 25 cm. The plaque is built into the fountain, but when the fountain was repaired, the area around the plaque was crudely coated with cement mortar. The inscription is set in eight square panels and is written in jali naskh script.
«Jahjaefendić, first among kadijas,
Brought this water to slake the thirsty.
This great figure did this good deed in the name of God.
And bestowed the sawab ][he reward] for the soul of his son.
May God accept this good deed.
And may he cheer the mulla's soul with it.
With a single stroke of the men Mejlija wrote the [fountain's] chronogram:
Mulla-effendi has brought the water of life.»
(1194 =1780/81)
Even before 1780, there was a fountain on this spot.
3. Legal status to date
Pursuant to the law, and by ruling of the National Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments and Natural Rarities of NR Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, no. 650/50 of 1950, the Turbes in Alifakovac in the city of Sarajevo were placed under state protection.
Pursuant to the law, and by ruling of the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of NR Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, no. 02-615-3 of 1962, the two turbes in Alifakovac in Sarajevo were entered in the Register of immovable cultural monuments.
The property forms part of the urban ensemble of Sarajevo which the 1980 Regional Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina lists as a category 0 monument.
The Alifakovac fountain in Sarajevo is on the Provisional List of National Monuments of BiH under serial no. 532.
4. Research and conservation and restoration works
In 1947 the turbes were clad with galvanized iron.
In 1964 the cemetery was landscaped as a park. The Assembly of Stari grad municipality financed repair works to the old Istanbul road, repairs to the cobbles, drainage, and the removal of self-sown vegetation.
In 1989 the Cantonal Institute for the Protection of the Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage of Sarajevo carried out repair works on the Alifakovac fountain.
5. Current condition of the property
An on site inspection in April 2005 ascertained as follows:
- The Alifakovac cemetery was reactivated in 1993 and is still being used for burials. Because of the numerous new graves and inexpert erection of new tombstones, many of the old nišans have disappeared. The remaining old nišans are endangered: sunked into the ground, broken, fallen over, wrenched from the ground, and concreted over. Some of the nišans that have been pulled up are now on the outer edges of the cemetery.
- Only 45 of Mujezinović's list of 221 nišans with epitaphs in the Alifakovac cemetery have been identified, which is evidence of the on-going devastation of this cemetery.
- The turbes are in poor structural condition and at risk of collapsing.
III – CONCLUSION
Applying the Criteria for the adoption of a decision on proclaiming an item of property a national monument (Official Gazette of BiH nos. 33/02 and 15/03), the Commission has enacted the Decision cited above.
The Decision was based on the following criteria:
A. Time frame
C. Artistic and aesthetic value
C. i. quality of workmanship
C.iv. composition
C. v. value of details
D. Clarity
D.iv. evidence of a particular type, style or regional manner
D.v. evidence of a typical way of life at a specific period
E. Symbolic value
E.i. ontological value
E.iii. traditional value
E.iv. relation to rituals or ceremonies
E.v. significance for the identity of a group of people
F. Townscape/ Landscape value
F.i. Relation to other elements of the site
F.ii. meaning in the townscape
F.iii. the building or group of buildings is part of a group or site
G. Authenticity
G.iii. use and function
G.iv. traditions and techniques
G.v. location and setting
G.vi. spirit and feeling
I. Completeness
I.i. physical coherence
I.ii. homogeneity
The following documents form an integral part of this Decision:
o Photodocumentation drawn up by the Commission
o Drawings of the Turbe by the Cantonal Institute for the Protection of the Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage of Sarajevo.
Bibliography:
During the procedure to designate the Alifakovac cemetery ensemble in Sarajevo as a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the following works were consulted:
1913. Kemura, Sejfudin, Sarajevske džamije (Sarajevo's mosques) Sarajevo, 1913.
1953. Bejtić, Alija, Spomenici osmanlijske arhitekture u Bosni i Hercegovini (Monuments of Ottoman architecture in BiH) Offprint – Contributions to oriental philology and the history of the Yugoslav peoples under Turkish rule, Vols. III-IV, Oriental Institute in Sarajevo, Sarajevo, 1953.
1960. Šabanović, Hazim, Postanak i razvoj Sarajeva (Origins and development of Sarajevo). Proceedings of the Scientific Society of BiH, bk. 5, Sarajevo, 1960.
1962. Mujezinović, Mehmed, Stari Alifakovac u Sarajevu (Old Alifakovac in Sarajevo) Naše starine VIII, Sarajevo,1962, 119-138.
1969. Bejtić, Alija, Stara sarajevska čaršija jučer danas i sutra – osnove i smjernice za regeneraciju (The old Sarajevo ćaršija, past, present and future – basis and guidelines for regeneration) City Institute for the Protection and Maintenance of Cultural Monuments of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, 1969.
1997. Zlatar, Behija, Zlatni period Sarajeva (Sarajevo's golden age) Sarajevo, 1997.
1980. Institute for architecture, town planning and regional planning of the Faculty of Architecture in Sarajevo, Regionial Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina; Stage «B» - valorization of natural, cultural and historical monuments, Sarajevo, 1980.
1996. Çelebi, Evliya, Putopis – odlomci o jugoslovenskim zemljama (Travelogue – extracts on Yugoslav lands) Sarajevo Publishing, Sarajevo, 1996.
1997. Bašeskija, Mula Mustafa, Ljetopis (Chronicle), Sarajevo Publishing, Sarajevo, 1997.
1998. Mujezinović, Mehmed, Islamska epigrafika Bosne i Hercegovine (Islamic epigraphics of BiH) bk. I, Sarajevo Publishing, Sarajevo, 1998.
1998. Cantonal Institute for the Protection of the Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage of Sarajevo, Stara Sarajevska groblja (Sarajevo’s old cemeteries), Novi Hram Gallery, Sarajevo, March 1998.
2000. Ayverdi Dr. Ekrem Hakki, Avrupa'da Osmanli Mimari Eserlera Yugoslavya II, 3. kitab, Istanbul, 2000.
Documentation of the Cantonal Institute for the Protection of the Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage of Sarajevo
Documentation of the Institute for the Protection of the Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sport of BiH
Recording of epitaphs on the nišans and translation by Numanagić Hazim, orientalist, May 2005.
(2) The earliest reference to the Mahala of the mosque of Vekil Harč Mustafa is in a cadastral defter in Istanbul dating from ater 1561 (a photocopy of the defter is in the Oriental Institute in Sarajevo, inventory no. 76). It has been ascertained that the mahala must have come into being between 1540 and 1545, and that the Vekil Harč mosque was built between 1541 and 1561. The defter is not dated, but notes that the mahala had sixty houses with thirty-one inhabitants.
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