Completed in 2013, the Islamic Center of Rijeka stands as a landmark of contemporary religious architecture and the first mosque built along the Adriatic coast in more than five centuries. Designed to serve the Muslim community of Rijeka, the project reflects decades of aspiration and a distinctive artistic approach that shaped its iconic form.
The mosque’s conceptual foundation began not with drawings, but with a sculptural model created by renowned Croatian sculptor Dušan Džamonja (1928–2009). His artistic vision guided the project’s expressive geometry, which was later translated into architecture through a collaboration with architects Darko Vlahović and Branko Vučinović, supported by associate architects Dora Vlahović, Luka Vlahović, Dubravka Đurkan-Horvat, and Davor Mauser.
Architectural and Operational Details
The 10,800 m² complex includes a mosque, multipurpose hall, classrooms, library, administrative zones, and supporting facilities. The main prayer hall accommodates up to 1,400 worshippers, organized beneath five segmented domes that reinterpret traditional Ottoman forms through an abstract, modern language.
The structure features ventilated stainless-steel cladding, while the 23-meter minaret rises as a conical steel cylinder wrapped in sheet-steel plating. Set on a slope overlooking Kvarner Bay, the complex blends sculptural expression with functional clarity.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Primarily funded by the State of Qatar, the project represents a significant cultural investment in Croatia’s religious and architectural landscape. Beyond serving its local community, the mosque has become a prominent regional landmark, drawing visitors, researchers, and architects interested in its innovative design methodology.
Strategic Significance
The Islamic Center of Rijeka demonstrates how contemporary architecture can honor tradition while embracing new forms of expression. By emerging from a sculptor’s imagination, the project challenges conventional design processes and stands as a testament to interdisciplinary creativity. Its presence continues to shape dialogue on religious architecture, cultural identity, and modern urban landmarks.
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