In September 2013, we have investigated Bosnia and Herzegovina. The trip began with two nights in Sarajevo, the capital of this state. The city is surrounded by the Dinar Alps and is located on the Milyatska River, which divides it to the northern and southern parts.
We stayed in a posylipo hostel who booked in advance. We arrived early in the morning, met us a friendly owner, with whom we agreed on a very adequate price. But the main thing is that the hostel is located in the old part of the Turkish Quarter Sarajevo. Almost a couple of minutes walk from the famous fountain Sebil on Bashcharsia Square, where we went first. This is the heart and soul of Sarajevo with a bright reminder of his Ottoman. Here you can spend a whole day, drinking good coffee, feeding the lazy pigeons, watching the merchants and just enjoying the atmosphere. One of the oldest streets in the Bashcharsia district is called Medni. This street as the Museum of Folk Creativity in the Open Sky. Along the road there are many shopping rows, stalls, shops, where they sell beautiful copper products. There are many other interesting handicraft streets in the area. There are also several mosques. In one we had a chance to visit. This is the mosque of Gazi Husrev-Bay History, which dates back to the XVI century, is considered the main mosque in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as an excellent example of Ottoman architecture. Minaret mosque is more than 45 meters. In the courtyard of the mosque is a fountain for ritual ablution. For a symbolic fee, we were allowed to go inside and even take a picture. The floors in the hall are covered with carpets that were presented as gifts from various Islamic countries. Walls are decorated with Arab writing and geometric patterns. Interestingly, the mosque is not only a temple, but also the place of friendly meetings. In the evening, when the mullah mullah sounds around the city, in front of the entrance to the mosque, men and women are sitting not only to pray, but also to discuss urgent problems.
After you learn the old city stroll along the Milyatska River. She passes through the heart of the city. In the Austrian times, a promenade was built along the river. The Romeo and Juliet bridge are also known as the Briban Bridge. It does not look special, but during the war in Bosnia in May 1993, two lovers, Admira and Bosko were shot, when they tried to escape from the departed city. They were in love with the school. He was Serb, she was Muslim. They were shot at the same time. He died instantly; She crawled to him, and pressed against his body, then she died. For several days, they lay in each other's arms. This bridge also saw the first victims of the Bosnian War. There is a sign in the middle of the bridge in memory of these tragic deaths. Buildings near the bridge are still exhausted by bullets. Walking towards the Museum of Fine Arts, we saw several bombed houses. Some people continued to live in small houses among the ruins. We walked and thought. Beautiful nature, beautiful people, an interesting city, but full of sadness and longing.
The next day we went to the Olympic Stadium. Sarajevo was the host of the winter games 1984. Today, he is known as the Stadium "Asym Ferkhatovich-Hase", named after the famous Bosnian footballer. Sad spectacle. In 1984 it was much more fun here. No one then could and think what terrible events are waiting for the country.
Walking through the streets of Sarajevo, repeatedly bumping into military destruction and bullet holes in buildings should, however, admit that the city was well raised after the war.
If you have a desire to learn more, you should hire a local guide for a few hours. Our small company of three people paid 20 euros for 3 hours of excursion. This is an excellent opportunity to see the city through the eyes of a local resident.
Yes, and do not forget to visit the Ottoman Indoor Market, dated 1555, this is a great place for shopping. We bought here a delicious smoked cheese, which comes in the form of a small loaf of bread, salted vegetables and pickled salads, Pahlav and marmalade. And everything you can try before buying.
In Sarajevo, many boutiques where you can buy good things for a very low price. It's very tasty here in restaurants, do not forget only to leave tips. And certainwise traveled, or in the East!
