The Enchanting Heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mostar Area

• 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-broh. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govoriš li engleski?
  [Go-vo-reesh 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
  [Moh-goo lee veed-yeh-tee meh-nee, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-ve-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem pla-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohtch!]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh!]
• Call the Police!Pozovi policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee poh-lee-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Pozovi doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee dohk-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-bee-oh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/sna sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn/snah 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-shta?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [To yeh preh-vee-sheh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-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-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJučer
  [Yoo-chehr]
• 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-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-srah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh 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 (za ....)
  [Yeh-dnoo kar-too (zah)]

Mostar was founded in the 15th century during the Ottoman Empire's expansion into the Balkans. It quickly grew into an important administrative and commercial center. The iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) was constructed in 1566 by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan’s apprentice, Mimar Hayruddin. The bridge became an architectural marvel of its time and a symbol of unity and connection.

Following the decline of the Ottoman Empire, Mostar fell under Austro-Hungarian rule in 1878. This period saw significant urban development and modernization. Many European-style buildings were constructed, blending Western architectural elements with the existing Ottoman structures. The railway connecting Mostar to Sarajevo and further to the Adriatic Sea was also introduced, boosting trade and transportation.

During World War II, Mostar was part of the Independent State of Croatia, a puppet state of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The city experienced occupation, resistance, and significant destruction. After the war, Mostar became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The rebuilding process focused on restoring the city's infrastructure and harmonizing its diverse cultural heritage.

Under Yugoslav rule, Mostar thrived as an industrial and cultural hub. The city’s diverse population of Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs coexisted relatively peacefully. Mostar was known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals, theaters, and sports events. The Stari Most remained a symbol of multicultural harmony during this period.

The Bosnian War (1992-1995) had a devastating impact on Mostar. The city witnessed intense fighting between Bosniak and Croat forces, leading to severe destruction, including the tragic demolition of the Stari Most in 1993. The war caused immense human suffering and left deep scars on the community. Post-war efforts focused on rebuilding and reconciliation.

Following the Bosnian War, extensive efforts were made to reconstruct Mostar and restore its cultural landmarks. The Stari Most was meticulously rebuilt and reopened in 2004. In 2005, the bridge and the Old Town of Mostar were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognizing their historical significance and the successful restoration efforts. Today, Mostar stands as a testament to resilience and cultural heritage.

Today, Mostar is a vibrant city that attracts tourists from around the world. It is celebrated for its stunning architecture, rich history, and diverse cultural traditions. The city hosts various cultural events and festivals, such as the Mostar Summer Fest and the traditional diving competition from the Stari Most. Mostar continues to be a symbol of multicultural coexistence and resilience.

Mostar is located in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The nearest international airport is Mostar International Airport (OMO), located about 7 kilometers from the city center. Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) is another option, approximately 130 kilometers away. From Sarajevo, you can take a train or a bus to Mostar, which usually takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive or hire a taxi for the journey. There are also regular bus services from Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, which are popular entry points for travelers.

Mostar is a relatively small city, and its main attractions are within walking distance. Local buses and taxis are readily available for longer trips within the city and to nearby areas. Car rental services are also available for those who prefer to explore the region at their own pace. The train and bus stations are centrally located, making it easy to catch public transport to other cities and towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (BAM). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in Mostar, and many offer instructions in English. It's a good idea to have some local currency on hand for incidental purchases.

Mostar is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it's important to exercise common sense and standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and public transport. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always best.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services. The local police station and medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, are available in Mostar. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When entering mosques or churches, dress appropriately and follow any specific rules, such as removing shoes or covering your head. Public Transport: Do be respectful to fellow passengers and give up your seat to elderly or disabled individuals. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A smile goes a long way in creating a positive first impression. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mostar like a local, visit the Old Bazaar (Kujundžiluk), where you can find traditional crafts and souvenirs. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and its surrounding area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, attend a local coffee shop and try Bosnian coffee. Additionally, exploring the nearby Blagaj Tekke, a Dervish monastery built at the base of a cliff, offers a serene and historical experience.