Where History Meets Nature: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a magnificent country you can reach with just a brief escape from city life – to ease work stress, fulfill your yearning for nature, and part the misty curtains of history.

Sarajevo

Hosting every shade of green, blessed with stunning views, fertile lands, warm-hearted people, and exquisite cuisine, Sarajevo has captured hearts despite its history of suffering. It stands among the Balkans' most beautiful cities. As the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is the country's largest city with approximately half a million inhabitants. Throughout the city, traces of the many civilizations it has hosted are visible everywhere. The city has been home to Romans, Slavs, and the Ottoman Empire since the Neolithic period. The Latin Bridge, where Austrian-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophia fell victim to an assassination – perhaps the most interesting event from our history lessons and cited as the catalyst for World War I – is just one of the city's symbols. Many historic bridges span the Bosna River running through the city center, creating a landscape visitors cannot tire of viewing. The architecture created by people of Islamic, Christian, or Jewish faith represents another of the city's interesting features. The harmony of church bells mixing with the call to prayer creates a mystical atmosphere around you.

The people continue their lives bound together by friendship and brotherhood, as if trying to cast off the sorrows of the past.

In the city's streets and buildings, traces of bombs, bullets, and shrapnel from the Serbian siege of 1992-1995 can still be found. The Baščaršija and its surroundings – with narrow but orderly stone-paved streets, mosques, and shops reminiscent of the Covered Bazaar – showcases examples of Ottoman architecture and can be called "the city's heart." Baščaršija is always crowded. If you wish to step away from this crowd for a breather, you can rest by enjoying Bosnia's distinctive coffee in the bazaar and perhaps arrange to meet your group at the Sebilj fountain in Baščaršija, established in the 15th century by the Ottomans and serving as locals' common meeting point. Sarajevo's cosmopolitan social and cultural structure is visible everywhere, from its architecture to its cuisine. Of course, one cannot visit Sarajevo without tasting the local flavors. In Baščaršija, where the unique flavors of Balkan cuisine – which have made their name through their distinctiveness and generous portions – are easily accessible, one must definitely taste the national delicacies: Bosnian pastry, Bosnian coffee, Ćevapi (ćevapčići), and homemade wines.

Transportation in the City:

The city has a small airport, with approximately 6 km between the airport and Baščaršija, the city center. Taxis await you at the airport. Alternatively, you can walk a short distance and use the tram line. The tram line covers the entire city and, with frequent service and tickets available at kiosks, can take you anywhere. It should also be noted that there are many bus options in addition to tram services. Sarajevo is a small city that can be visited in a few days. However, I recommend not leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina without seeing Mostar Bridge and Blagaj Tekke. Having come to Sarajevo, it is impossible not to be captivated by the Balkans' unique charm. For those wishing to continue this dream, various bus companies can be found at the East and West Bus Stations that will take you to nearby cities.

Mostar

Mostar, another beautiful city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is located approximately 125 km from Sarajevo, a 2.5-hour journey away, offering a charming and peaceful setting. The famous Mostar Bridge, which became one of the symbols of the war in Bosnia, is today one of the city's iconic landmarks and attracts tourists year-round with its historical significance and magnificent views. The Mostar Bridge, destroyed during attacks in the Bosnian-Herzegovinian civil war, was originally built in 1566 by Mimar Hayreddin, a student of Mimar Sinan, and maintained its existence for 500 years. After the war, with support from UNESCO and the World Bank, it was restored to its original condition and reopened to traffic in 2004. Mostar hosts many bridges. As the Neretva River flows beneath many houses in all its force, one feels inclined to surrender to its verdant waters. Today, the 24-meter-high Mostar Bridge is also used as a diving platform by some athletes and by young men seeking to prove their courage to their beloved.

Blagaj

Blagaj is located where the Buna River, one of the tributaries of the Neretva River – one of Bosnia's largest rivers running through Mostar – originates. Blagaj is situated 10 km from Mostar. Blagaj is a small village, and the Blagaj Tekke located here holds the significance of an important cultural monument from the early Ottoman period. The tekke was established with the arrival of the Ottomans in 1446 and played an active role in the Islamization of the region. The tekke, showing influences of Ottoman architecture and Mediterranean style, was originally a Bektashi tekke when first established and is now used as a Nakshibendi tekke. It also contains the tomb of Sarı Saltuk, known as a historical hero. Restaurants are available where you can taste the fish found in the verdant Buna River with its high flow and flowing waters, enjoy coffee served alongside Turkish delight, and experience the tranquility offered by the landscape. With a Balkan melody on your tongue and your eyes still seeking a thousand shades of green surrounding you from the mountains to the rivers, you find yourself with countless memories crammed into a few days, unable to believe it is time to return.

Must-See Places:

Baščaršija, the center of Sarajevo, with its stone-paved streets, mosques, and restaurants where you can taste local flavors; Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, causing the start of World War I; Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, Eternal Flame, Old Orthodox Church, Vrelo Bosne where the Bosna River originates and serves as a picnic area, Vijećnica (City Hall); Gazi Hüsrev Bey Mosque; Morića Han, the last Ottoman inn remaining in Sarajevo; Sebilj (Fountain); Bosnia History Museum, where you can learn about the siege of 1992-1995; National Museum; the Tunnel built during the Sarajevo siege that connected the city to the free zone and enabled thousands to survive; Aliya Izetbegović Museum, museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina's first President, Sarayevska Pivara – Sarajevo's still-operating brewery (museum and pub combined) – and in addition to these, nearby settlements within a few hours' distance: Mostar and Blagaj.

CANSU TUNA

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