BH THROUGH TIME

A hint for the future visitors. At the very beginning use the traditional “Bosanski sabur” (calmly, slowly, gradually, little by little) and the country will reveal itself and show a part of its unique beauty...

Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been the crossroads of many civilisations and cultures. It is these millennia of cultural diversity that has melded Bosnia and Herzegovina into one of the most fascinating counties in southern Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina has been populated for more than 100,000 years. Cave drawings near Stolac and numerous remains, exhibited in the National Museum in Sarajevo, are a testamentof these ancient civilizations.

It is presumed that the name Bosna comes from Illyrian tribes, considering the fact that in their language the word „bos“ signified water. Illyrian tribes who ruled over the entire Balkan lived to see their final fall in the battle against the Romans in the Vranduk Fortress, near Zenica around 6th century BC.

The Roman Period is significant for its road construction throughout the country, the opening of massive mines and trade in its mineral wealth and agricultural products.  Today traces of the Roman period can mostley be seen in the cities of Central Bosnia: Zenica, Vares, Breza, Kiseljak, Travnik, but in Herzegovina as well. For example in Mogorjelo one has the opportunity to enjoy the ruins of a Roman large estate (Vila Rustica) presented with an ecellent Herzegovinian cuisine and lighted at night with torches and accompanied by traditional music and folklore.

From the 13th century up to the arrival of Ottomans, Christian Order represented a state religion.
The arrival of Turks, Eastern culture and tradition permeated the country. Almost every mosque such as The Bay's Mosque and for example the Old bridge and town in Mostar (UNESCO World Heritage Site) were developed in this period. The influence of Turkish tradition can be seen in the cuisine, literature and music.

During a short reign of Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (1878-1918) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Western influence has changed the country in many ways: increased literacy, cultural upbringing, brought a transformation from Oriental to West-European style and the mass construction of new buildings. In this period buildings such as The National and University Library-Vijecnica (Old Town Hall) and the Music Pavillion Atmejdan were built.

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, lies in a valley which is the meeting place of many roads, and has expanded folowing the flow of the Miljacka River. The city was established in 15th century and it had it's own water supply system from the time, something a few European cities of the era could boast. Sarajevo acquired its first tram in 1884, even before Vienna.

After the assassination in 1914 of Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, next to the Latin Bridge, the name of Sarajevo echoed around the world. It is generally accepted that this event was the immediate cause of World War I.

The old part of the city - Bascarsija is the heartbeat of Sarajevo and certainly the most popular part which dates back to the long period of Ottoman rule. Bascarsija used to be the heart of the city by the Miljacka river.
Celebrated in songs, painted on canvas, today, more than ever, its beauty attracts visitors from around the world. Hundreds of small shops, charming open-air caffees and restaurants are situated within a relatively small area in a network of picturesque streets. Its atsmosphere is complemented by mosques, the jewelers' streets and shops selling goods by masters of ancient crafts.

Every visit to Bascarsija gives You the feeling that You stepped into one of the fairy tales from „1001 Nights“

A legend says:“If You drink some water from the fountain in the heart of Bascarsija, You can be sure You will return to Sarajevo“...

One of Sarajevo's distinct features is a mixture of different styles, the Islamic-Oriental style from the Ottoman Empire era, where the Ottomans for centuries built Sarajevo into one of the most remarkable oriental cities in southern Europe. The neoclassical architecture from the period of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which also left a significant mark on the cultural, historical and arhitectural heritage of Sarajevo and much of the city center will remind You of Vienna.

This city is a fascinating destination-exotic, safe, shockingly inexpensive by European standards, stuffed with history...

Sarajevo lets You sample the past. It's Latin And Oriental quarters are clearly separated. Enjoy the beautifull smell of our fabulous tasty charcoal-grilled cevapcici...........mmmmmm sounds fantastic..... Taste delicious Oriental sweets and relax in some of the serene outdoor cafes, with a coffee prepared in a special and traditional Bosnian way....

Can You imagine a place where the new and the old, the traditional and the modern, the East and the West are all intertwined? Yes that's right, this is Sarajevo!!!!!!! Others have said it for us:“the air is freer in Sarajevo...a charming, sophisticated city“.

„I have seen many cities renowned for their beauty, but none of them evoked my admiration as much as Sarajevo. Thickly planted in that rolling sea of unusual house, so varied in form and style, were mosques and minarets, churches and towers, offices, baracks, cemeteries. Indeed wherever one's gaze fell it found a perfect subject for study...“

Robert Munro 1894.