Mawlid tradition in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The term "Mawlid" means birth, encompassing meanings related to birth, birthplace, and birth time. In the Islamic scholarly and cultural tradition, Mawlid is used to describe the birth of Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) and the works written on this occasion. Over time, it has evolved to become a general term for ceremonies held on the anniversaries of saints' (dervishes') births and various occasions. In Islamic literature, Mawlid gained widespread recognition beyond boundaries through Süleyman Çelebi's work "Vesîletü'n-Necât," and it has been embraced in various regions. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one such place where Mawlid has been adopted, translated into different languages, and has become an integral part of religious ceremonies, especially following the Ottoman conquest. The study "Mawlid Tradition in Bosnia and Herzegovina" consists of an introduction, three sections, and a conclusion. The introduction provides a brief history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, general information about Islam in the region, and insights into religious, social, and cultural aspects. The first section delves into the definition of Mawlid, its history, texts, and its general execution areas and forms. The second section examines the role and significance of Mawlid in the religious, social, and cultural life of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with its execution areas and forms. The third section shares examples of salawat (praises) read during Mawlid ceremonies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, documenting the most preferred Mawlids and their performances.