bosnia & herzegovina

In the southeast of Europe lies a heart shaped country as rich in history as it is in its natural wonders. The Illyrians, the Roman Empire, Slavs, the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and manifestations of Yugoslavia, all preceded and shaped the sovereign state known today as Bosnia and Herzegovina. The touch of history is evidenced in the three main cities of BiH.

Banja Luka

Banja Luka

The city of greenery, Banja Luka is the second most populous city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Adorned by trees and plants, the city is known for parks, gardens, and recreational offerings. Nature and history blend at Kastel Fortress, the focal point of the city's past, where the monument stands on the bank of the river Vrbas. Although its origins are unclear, remnants from the time of the Roman empire have been found at the site and may even pre-date this period. Under Ottoman rule the fortress was further fortified. The struggle between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires resulted in an addition to Banja Luka's architectural landscape through the construction of Ferhadija mosque during the 16th century. The Bosnian war led to the destruction of the mosque, only to be resurrected in 2016.

Sarajevo

Sarajveo

Sarajevo, the capital of BiH, serves as the main hub of the country. It is a city of contrasts. Where elements of the east and west reside in the same space. Where modernity and tradition compete, while the surrounding nature - Trebević, Jahorina, Igman, Bjelašnica mountains and Miljacka river hover and hum with the steady pace of everyday life. Although excavated sites point to activity long before the takeover by the Ottoman Empire, it is during this, and the Austro-Hungarian period, that the city flourished. As the city unfolds from the center, where Baščaršija and Gazi-Husrev-beg Mosque are housed, the Ottoman presence is clearly visible. Brushing against the eastern influence is the architecture of the west, with the introduction of the National Museum, Academy of Fine Arts, and Viječnica. The latter, albeit, was constructed in a Moorish inspired style.

Mostar

Mostar

The southernmost city, situated in the Herzegovina region is Mostar. Above the Neretva river stands the dazzling bridge that the city is known for. Under the Romans, the bridge was a humble wooden connecting point. When the region was seized by the Ottoman empire new life was given to Mostar's centerpiece. In place of a wooden bridge, a stone bridge was erected. Towers were built to flank the sides from which guardians (mostari), its namesake, kept a watchful eye. During the war the bridge was destroyed. After reconstruction, the bridge was opened in 2004. It is now part of UNESCO's World Heritage List. Among the more lively traditions, Mostar holds diving competitions.

Coded by Irma Zečević