The Čaršija Mosque in Stolac, built in 1519 during the Ottoman era under Sultan Selim I, stands as a notable example of 16th-century mosque architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This paper provides an in-depth examination of the mosque’s profound impact on Stolac’s cultural landscape, focusing on its destruction in 1993 and subsequent reconstruction from 2001 to 2004. Originally one of the largest and most esteemed mosques in the region, the Čaršija Mosque was extensively damaged during the conflict. The reconstruction process was guided by historical photographs and preserved architectural fragments, resulting in a meticulous restoration that honored the original design while integrating modern construction techniques. The restoration not only revived the mosque but also rejuvenated its surrounding compound, including a well, a fountain, and additional structures such as a school and clock tower. This study employs a series of semi-structured interviews with a diverse cross-section of Stolac’s inhabitants and key stakeholders involved in the mosque’s reconstruction. Participants, selected based on their varying ages and backgrounds, provide insights into the social and cultural implications of the rebuilding process. The interviews are analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes related to social trauma recovery, community identity, and heritage preservation. The findings will contribute to developing conceptual models that explain the successful strategies and challenges encountered during the reconstruction, offering a framework for similar heritage restoration projects. By analyzing the mosque’s reintegration into the local cultural and social fabric, the paper highlights the broader implications of preserving and restoring significant landmarks. The Čaršija Mosque’s revival exemplifies how the careful restoration of cultural and religious sites can enhance communal identity, foster resilience, and support continuity in post-conflict communities. This case study underscores the crucial role of heritage preservation in rebuilding and strengthening the social and cultural cohesion of communities affected by conflict.

Developments in female mosque entrances generally reflect a less urgent approach than those of male entrances. Female mosque entrances were found to be proportional to women’s presence and engagement. The rapid introduction of modern building materials and technologies has changed the positioning of mosque entrances and shifted the requirements, further complicating the functionality of a mosque entrance and causing female entrances to fall behind in this regard. In addition, the mosque entrance plays a major role in the spiritual and emotional transition from the materialistic realm to the realm of serenity and tranquility. Entrances that do not meet these expectations may repel worshippers, particularly women. This study surveys the condition of female entrances in neighborhood mosques. Selected mosques from the city of Jeddah were adopted as case studies. The analysis focuses on female entrances’ adaptation to codes and standards, studying the impact of entrance conditions on the perceived level of user experience and acceptance. The results of this study can help identify deployment and design criteria, as well as it will shed light on the main challenges facing women while entering the mosque to, finally, provide some recommendations. Our methods include visual observations of local mosque entrances and a questioner of women’s experiences living in those communities. The questioner requested participant women to focus on their experience when they enter the mosque and to understand that main challenges and experiences and documenting some of what they encounter. The survey will be sent to a group of women with different ages to provide their insights. The survey will include different questions to identify perception of current entrances, challenges and concerns, cultural and social factors, and suggestions for improvements. This study will help identify some of the difficulties and challenges experienced by women worshippers and offer insights on solutions approach to guidelines for designing and retrofitting of women entrances in the mosques of Jeddah.