Enchanting Mostar Surroundings: A Journey Through Nature and History

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdra-vo]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Do-vi-djen-ja]
• YesDa
  [Da]
• NoNe
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Mo-lim]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hva-la]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Iz-vi-ni-te]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Ka-ko si]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Do-bro. A ti]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Go-vo-ri-te li eng-les-ki]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Ne ra-zu-mi-jem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti meni, molim
  [Mo-gu li vid-je-ti me-ni, mo-lim]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Ne je-dem me-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Ziv-je-li]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelio bih platiti, molim
  [Ze-li-o bih pla-ti-ti, mo-lim]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Po-moc]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [I-di o-da-vde]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Po-zo-vi-te po-li-ci-ju]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Po-zo-vi-te dok-to-ra]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Iz-gu-bio/la sam se]
• I'm illBolestan/sam/na sam
  [Bo-le-stan/sam/na sam]

• I'd like to buy...Želio bih kupiti...
  [Ze-li-o bih ku-pi-ti]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sa-mo gle-dam]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Ko-li-ko kos-ta]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [To je pre-vi-she sku-po]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Mo-ze-te li spu-sti-ti ci-ju-nu]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Ko-li-ko je sa-ti]
• It's one o'clockJedan sat je
  [Je-dan sat je]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Po-la (de-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Ju-tro]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Po-po-dne]
• EveningVeče
  [Ve-che]
• YesterdayJučer
  [Ju-cher]
• TodayDanas
  [Da-nas]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Su-tra]
• 1Jedan
  [Je-dan]
• 2Dva
  [Dva]
• 3Tri
  [Tri]
• 4Četiri
  [Che-ti-ri]
• 5Pet
  [Pet]
• 6Šest
  [Shest]
• 7Sedam
  [Se-dam]
• 8Osam
  [O-sam]
• 9Devet
  [De-vet]
• 10Deset
  [De-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdje je]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Ko-ja je a-dre-sa]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [Mo-ze-te li mi po-ka-za-ti (na kar-ti)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Ka-da je slje-de-ci (au-to-bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [Je-dnu kar-tu (do)]

Mostar and its surroundings were significantly influenced by the Ottoman Empire starting from 1463. The construction of the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) in 1566 by Mimar Hayruddin, a student of the famous architect Mimar Sinan, marked a pivotal moment in Mostar's history. The bridge not only symbolized the connection between the East and West but also facilitated trade and cultural exchange in the region. The Ottoman period introduced Islamic architecture, including numerous mosques, baths, and madrasas, which became integral parts of the local culture and urban landscape.

The Congress of Berlin in 1878 saw the Austro-Hungarian Empire take control of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Mostar. This period brought about significant modernization and industrialization. The Austro-Hungarians introduced Western architectural styles, new infrastructure, and urban planning. Prominent buildings such as the Franciscan Monastery and the Gymnasium Mostar reflect the architectural blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. Railways and roads were developed, further integrating Mostar into the broader European economic and cultural spheres.

During World War II, Mostar and its surroundings were occupied by Axis powers and later became a battleground between various factions. The post-war period saw Mostar become a part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Under Tito's regime, Mostar experienced industrial growth, urban development, and a significant increase in the standard of living. The construction of the Aluminum Plant and the expansion of the tourism sector were notable achievements of this era. However, ethnic tensions simmered beneath the surface, setting the stage for future conflicts.

The disintegration of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s led to the Bosnian War, during which Mostar became a focal point of intense conflict. The city was divided between Bosniak and Croat forces, resulting in severe destruction and loss of life. The Stari Most, a symbol of Mostar's multicultural heritage, was destroyed in 1993. The war left deep scars on the community, with significant cultural and architectural heritage lost or damaged. The reconstruction of Stari Most, completed in 2004, symbolized the efforts towards reconciliation and rebuilding.

Following the Dayton Agreement in 1995, Mostar and its surroundings began a long process of reconstruction and reconciliation. International efforts, including those by UNESCO, focused on restoring the city's historic architecture and promoting cultural heritage. The rebuilt Stari Most and the Old Town area have become UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting tourists from around the world. The annual Mostar Summer Fest and the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series at Stari Most are examples of how the city is reviving its cultural and social vibrancy.

Mostar is accessible via Mostar International Airport (OMO), located about 7 kilometers southeast of the city center. There are also frequent bus and train services from Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is about 130 kilometers away. If you're coming from neighboring countries, there are direct bus routes from cities like Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia. Driving is another option, with well-maintained roads connecting Mostar to major cities in the region.

Mostar and its surroundings are well-served by public transport. The city has a network of local buses that can take you to various neighborhoods and nearby attractions. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. For those who prefer more flexibility, car rentals are a good option and offer the freedom to explore the picturesque countryside at your own pace. Biking is another popular way to get around, especially for short distances.

The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (BAM). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Mostar. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in Mostar, so withdrawing cash is convenient. Keep in mind that many local markets and smaller establishments may only accept cash.

Mostar is generally a safe destination for tourists, but like any place, it is essential to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Be cautious of pickpockets, particularly in crowded tourist spots like the Old Bridge (Stari Most). The outskirts of the city and certain neighborhoods may have higher crime rates, so it is best to stick to well-traveled areas and follow local advice.

In case of emergency, dial 122 for police, 123 for fire, and 124 for medical assistance. Mostar has several hospitals and clinics where you can receive medical care. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unexpected events. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local religious customs. Cover your head and shoulders when entering mosques or churches. 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. Saying 'Dobar dan' (Good day) is a polite way to start a conversation. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Mostar like a local, visit the Kujundžiluk, the old bazaar, where you can buy traditional crafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafés and take the time to chat with the friendly locals. Don't miss the opportunity to see a traditional diving competition from the Old Bridge, a centuries-old tradition. For a unique experience, explore the nearby Blagaj Tekke, a Dervish monastery built into a cliff, and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.