Today we’re going to talk about Mostar.
Mostar is a beautiful city in Bosnia and it’s the closest you can get to Muslim culture
in all of Europe.
In fact, the sheer quantity of mosques in the city of Mostar frequently astounds Western
visitors.
Mostar, which was historically a nexus of cultures between Christian Europe and the
Muslim Middle East retains a rich blend of influences.
The city is filled with polished cobbled streets lined with Turkish-style bazaars.
The city's skyline is dominated by minarets and church steeples.
Mostar doesn't even quite feel European.
It's as far apart from Paris or even Venice in terms of atmosphere and ambiance as Istanbul
is.
In fact, there are times when walking through the Old Town's streets makes you think you're
in Turkey.
Even in Europe, it's one of the most intriguing spots to visit in Bosnia.
To know more about this city stick to the end of the video so your bucket list gets
to have another fine addition.
Now let’s talk about the top five things that you can do while you’re here:
5.
Stari Most - Old Bridge
Being Mostar’s most renowned site, Stari Most should be the first spot that you need
to visit.
Get a map of the Mostar Old Town by first stopping by the visitor centre.
You’ll find the visitor center on the western bank of the Neretva River.
The bridge was built in 1566 by Mimar Hajruddin, a student of the renowned Sinan, who is regarded
as the founder of classical Ottoman architecture.
It was a humpbacked arch that was 4 meters wide, 30 meters long, and had a 27-meter opening.
In the summer, it was 20 meters above the highest water mark.
The Halebija Tower on the right bank and the Tara Tower on the left bank, both fortified
towers from the 17th century, stood on either side of the bridge.
The bridge was so firm in strength that Nazis’s tanks could easily pass through it during
the second world war.
The bridge was mostly in danger of eroding before it was destroyed in 1993.
According to legends, egg white proteins and metal pins held the bridge together.
They added that on the day that construction was completed and the scaffolding was to be
pulled down, Mimar Hayruddin, the bridge's architect, prepared for his funeral.
For 427 years, the bridge remained in pristine condition.
It was destroyed on November 9th, 1993, during the Bosnia and Herzegovina War.
After the war, it was determined to rebuild the bridge using the same materials and technology
in an effort to keep it as identical as possible.
The Old Bridge contributed to the growth and prosperity of the community.
This building was in a perfect state of conservation prior to the start of military hostilities
in the town.
This bridge is one of the unquestionable attractions of the entire Balkan region.
Just seeing this renowned Bosnian bridge is worth the trip to Mostar.
4.
Old Bazaar in Mostar
Mostar developed at the intersection of trade routes throughout the Middle Ages and served
as the region's main market.
On congested streets at the time, more than 500 craft shops operated.
Jewelers, goldsmiths, and metal chasers, or "kuyunjush" in Bosnian, dominated them.
Hence, given the name of Kuyunjiluk, the trading district.
In the 16th century, construction started, displacing individual artisan neighborhoods
and entire streets.
The trade businesses for weavers, tanners, and gunsmiths were opened right away.
Despite having drastically shrunk, the town has kept its Asian flair and trading customs
to this day.
Everything from handmade carpets, fabrics, and ethnic clothing to copper coffee pots
and plates, chased paintings, leather goods, and decorative objects are available for purchase
here.
Antiques and contemporary crafts are visible nearby.
During the Ottoman era, it was once the beating center of business for the entire region.
Even with the changes brought on by the passage of time, the road has preserved its historic
exterior, highlighted by the constant presence of mosques and modest inns, as well as some
of its most distinctive crafts, including the hammering of copper and the weaving of
carpets.
The Old Bazaar, along with the Old Bridge, unquestionably the main draw of the entire
neighborhood, serves as a defining representation of Mostar's architecture and daily life, as
evidenced by the bustle of the workshops, the little eateries (where you can eat for
around a dollar), and other aspects.
The bazaar is constantly crowded and energetic.
Many people travel instead to experience the true spirit of antiquity rather than commerce.
However, they do not depart empty-handed because it is impossible to resist such a selection.
Although they are calm and polite, the traders in this oriental bazaar have a European demeanour.
3.
Kriva kupreja - Crooked bridge of Mostar
There is another historic bridge in Mostar, the Kriva Cuprija (the crooked bridge), in
addition to the Stari Most (Old Bridge), a true icon of the town that was destroyed in
1993.
It crosses the right-bank tributary of the Neretva River known as Rabobolja Creek.
The Crooked Bridge is actually eight years older even though it is less well-known and
smaller than its famed companion.
It is believed to have been a prototype for the later, more difficult-to-build bridge.
Kriva kupreja, is a small, one-arch stone bridge with a similar design to the Stari
Most.
The arch measures 8.56 meters in width and 4.15 meters in height.
Regular stone cubes have been incorporated into the horizontal layers all the way along
the vault to create the frontage and vault.
Stone that is cracked fills the space between the footpath, frontal walls, and vault.
Like the main roads in the town, the footpath over the bridge and the streets close by are
cobblestone-paved.
People can climb stone steps on either side of the bridge.
The bridge that you can see was rebuilt after the destruction of the original one in the
2001 flood.
The Crooked Bridge is blissfully empty while the Old Bridge is typically crowded, allowing
you to easily admire the engineering marvel of the past.
2.
Visit mosques in Mostar There are some mosques in Mostar that beautify
its architecture and are worth a visit.
The Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque, on a two minute walk from Stari most, should be visited for
more than just the view from the minaret.
This mosque is one of the best examples of Ottoman architecture in Mostar, constructed
at the start of the 17th century.
The mosque's interior is incredibly stunning, with vibrant colors throughout.
It suffered significant damage during the Balkan War, but it has since been repaired
and is even more pleasing to the eye now.
Even though the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is the most well-known mosque in the city,
There are a few more Islamic temples in Mostar that are worth visiting.
The largest mosque in the area, Karaoz Bey Mosque from the 16th century, has an impressive
dome.
When visiting, keep in mind that this mosque is still in use so make sure you stay cautious
of all regulations and prayer time.
Nezir-agina mosque, which is close to the Crocked Bridge, is another mosque that attracts
attention.
So whether you want to closely observe the Islamic culture or simply admire the architecture,
these mosques will provide you with just the right visuals that you need.
1.Dervish monastery in Blag aj
One of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most remarkable tourist destinations, the monastery at Blagaj,
which is only a short distance from Mostar, astounds visitors with its wonderful natural
surroundings.
The modest Ottoman-era structure is located at the base of a massive cliff, where the
Buna river flows toward the Neretva after emerging from a secret cave and passing over
a little crescent-shaped waterfall.
It is thought that the stunningly blue water that flows by the monastery has mysterious
qualities.
This Dervish Monastery from the sixteenth century is tucked away at the foot of a sheer
rock face.
The Dervish, a mystic sect of Sufi Islam renowned for ceremonies that entail various forms of
spinning, constructed the monastery in 1520.
The monastery was regarded as a tekija or tekke, a location for introspection and spiritual
retreat.
Even the most agnostic tourists cannot resist succumbing to its calming effect due to the
grandeur of the monastery itself in its spectacular setting, the stillness of the adjacent village,
and the tranquil sounds of rushing water.
The meeting/prayer chamber of the tekke exhibits Turkish baroque elements and is the only monument
in Bosnia constructed in that style, and that’s quite vivid in the wooden ceiling.
A café with a view of the water is currently housed in a magnificent specimen of Ottoman
architecture, making it the ideal location for a leisurely lunch.
The monastery is open to visitors of all faiths and ideologies, and they are free to stay
there for as long as they desire.
This is a serene location that should be fully experienced rather than just another spot
to cross off a list.
You'll get to see a lot of things in Bosnia and Herzegovina that serve as reminders of
the Balkan War.
Of course, you might completely disregard that and concentrate on the modern Mostar
travel attractions like dining, shopping, and photography, but that's not what you should
stick to.
Learning about the history of the area will help you enjoy the trip better.
Therefore along with the modern Mostar travel visit the Mostar War Photo Exhibition as well
while you are there.
Now that you’re familiar that this city has a lot to offer and it’s not a crowded
touristy place that will overwhelm you, do you plan on visiting it?
Let us know in the comments below.
And as always, where to next?