In this episode, we delve into the fascinating story of the Ferhadija Mosque in Banja Luka, highlighting its destruction and subsequent rebuilding process. This story of resilience, determination, and the power of community showcases the efforts of many unsung heroes, including the remarkable Donald Reeves and his NGO, the Soul of Europe. Join us as we explore the history, challenges, and triumphs of rebuilding Ferhadija, symbolising hope and reconciliation in the Western Balkans. 00:00 Introduction and Background of the Ferhadija Mosque 00:44 Meet Donald Reeves: The Unsung Hero Behind the Mosque's Rebuilding 01:27 Donald's Journey: From Maverick Priest to Peace Builder 02:14 The Challenges and Triumphs of Rebuilding the Mosque 05:06 The Role of International Organizations and Funding 05:13 The Impact of the Mosque's Rebuilding on the Local Community 05:45 The Struggles and Successes of Fundraising for the Mosque 06:07 The Role of Religion and Politics in the Rebuilding Process 07:21 The Importance of Local Involvement and Ownership 07:47 Reflections on the Rebuilding Process and Its Legacy 09:10 The Role of Foreigners in Local Development Projects 10:21 The Importance of Local Priorities and Needs 11:49 Reflections on the Completed Mosque and Its Impact 13:41 The Role of Older Generations in Guiding the Young 15:45 Conclusion: A Call to Action for Future Generations Please also do share this episode and maybe leave a 5 start review on the podcast platform you listened to this on. Stay tuned for more exciting stories and adventures from the Englishman in the Balkans podcast! Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future. You can support my work, by maybe leaving a Tip or by becoming a member of our podcast family at: https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/support Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans Blog 🇧🇦 at https://www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/