The Budapest Imam: An Attempt to Integrate the Bosnian Muslims (1909–1911)

In the early years of 20th century, Bosnia assumed an increasingly important place in Hungary’s plans for great-power status. The aim Hungar- ian government was to connect province Austro-Hungarian Empire by virtue ancient right Hungarian crown, thereby bringing into economic sphere interest and gradually under control Hun- garian state. As part this strategy, authorities Hungary decided convert dilapidated tomb Gül Baba a mosque pilgrimage set up associated Muslim congregation Turkish Bosnian Muslims living or visiting city. A trained hodja, that is, imam, from Turkey müez- zin would then lead congregation. By purchasing renovating buildings around proposed pilgrimage, residential school enable, through scholarships provided itself, city Budapest government, at least thirty students study there, they be seeds which Hungarian–Bosnian–Turkish intellectual, cultural relations grow. However, imam brought Istanbul, Abdullatif, did not live expectations, unable provide necessary infrastruc- ture, frustrating setting Hungary. original vision Bosnia’s religious intellectual integration thus failed materialize. only substantial outcome Parliament’s decision January 1916 designate Islam as one recognized religions