Mostar: The Jewel of Herzegovina

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvini
  [Eez-vee-nee]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Go-vo-ree-te lee eng-les-kee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti meni, molim vas
  [Moh-goo lee vee-dyeh-tee meh-nee, moh-leem vahs]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vyeh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohtsch!]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh!]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh po-lee-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-bee-oh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/na sam
  [Boh-lehs-tahn/nah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-stah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je pre skupo
  [Toh yeh preh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-te lee spoo-stee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pod-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJučer
  [Yoo-cher]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-vet]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdyeh yeh...]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-te lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)
  [Yehd-noo kahr-too (doh ....)]

Mostar, situated along the Neretva River, was first mentioned in historical records in 1452. The name 'Mostar' is derived from the term 'mostari,' meaning 'bridge keepers,' reflecting the city's historical role in guarding the Stari Most, a bridge connecting the two sides of the city.

Under Ottoman rule, Mostar flourished as a trade and administrative center. The cityscape transformed with the construction of numerous mosques, Turkish houses, and the iconic Stari Most in 1566, designed by Mimar Hayruddin, a student of the renowned architect Sinan.

Following the Congress of Berlin in 1878, Mostar became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This era brought significant infrastructural development, modernizing the city with new buildings, roads, and bridges, and blending European architectural styles with the existing Ottoman influences.

During World War II, Mostar experienced occupations by Italian and German forces, as well as local clashes between Ustaša, Chetnik, and Partisan forces. Post-war, Mostar became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, leading to reconstruction efforts and industrial growth.

In the early 1990s, Mostar was heavily affected by the Bosnian War. The city witnessed intense fighting between Bosniak and Croat forces. On November 9, 1993, the Stari Most was destroyed by Croat forces, symbolizing the deep divisions and devastation caused by the conflict.

After the war, Mostar underwent extensive reconstruction. The Stari Most was meticulously rebuilt and reopened in 2004, serving as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Today, the bridge and the Old Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, representing the city's resilience and cultural heritage.

Mostar is accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest major airport is Mostar International Airport (OMO), which has seasonal flights from several European cities. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), located about 130 kilometers away, and then take a bus or train to Mostar. Direct buses and trains run frequently between Sarajevo and Mostar, with the journey taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Additionally, Mostar is well-connected by road, with bus services from other major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as from neighboring countries like Croatia and Montenegro.

Mostar is a relatively small city, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, local buses and taxis are available. Taxis are reasonably priced, but it is advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey. Car rental services are also available for those who prefer to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace. Buses and trains connect Mostar to other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing a convenient way to travel to and from the city.

The official currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (BAM). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Mostar, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, where you can withdraw local currency using your international cards. Currency exchange services can be found at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels.

Mostar is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to remain vigilant and take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Areas around the Old Bridge (Stari Most) and the main tourist spots are generally safe, but be cautious in less touristy neighborhoods.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Mostar has several medical facilities and hospitals equipped to handle emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and to carry a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, churches, or other religious sites, dress appropriately and follow any posted guidelines. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A polite 'Dobar dan' (Good day) is well-received. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mostar like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Bosnian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Old Bridge (Stari Most), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and try diving from the bridge if you're an experienced diver. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Neretva River and enjoy the picturesque views of the city. Additionally, sample traditional Bosnian cuisine at local restaurants, and don't forget to try 'ćevapi' (grilled minced meat) and 'burek' (savory pastry).