Sarajevo: Where East Meets West

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-vo]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim vas
  [Moh-leem vahs]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-la]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Eez-vee-nee-teh]
• 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-teh lee eng-les-kee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, želio bih vidjeti meni
  [Moh-leem vahs, zheh-lee-oh bee vee-dyeh-tee meh-nee]
• I don't eat meatJa ne jedem meso
  [Yah neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vee-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim vas
  [Zheh-leem pla-tee-tee, moh-leem vahs]

• Help!Upomoć!
  [Oo-poh-mohch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dav-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-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/na sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn/nah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dam]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-stah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh 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]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• 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-ya yeh ah-deh-sah?]
• 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 slew-yed-eh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [Yehd-noo kahr-too (doh)]

Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans in 1461 when the first Ottoman governor, Isa-Beg Ishaković, established the city's core, including its mosque, marketplace, public bath, and a governor's palace. The city quickly became a significant center of trade and culture in the Balkans. Gazi Husrev-bey, one of the city's most notable figures, further developed Sarajevo in the 16th century by building the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, which remains a prominent landmark today.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1878, bringing significant changes to Sarajevo. The empire introduced Western architectural styles, building new structures such as the Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica) and the Sarajevo National Theatre. The period saw the modernization of the city's infrastructure and the establishment of public services, which contributed to Sarajevo's transformation into a modern European city.

On June 28, 1914, Sarajevo became the focal point of global attention when Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie. This event triggered a series of political maneuvers that led to the outbreak of World War I. The assassination took place on the Latin Bridge, a historic location that still attracts visitors interested in this pivotal moment in history.

Between the two World Wars, Sarajevo experienced significant political and social changes. The Kingdom of Yugoslavia was formed in 1918, and Sarajevo became a part of it. During World War II, the city was occupied by Axis forces and later became a battleground for various resistance movements. The Jewish community, which had been an integral part of Sarajevo's social fabric, was decimated during the Holocaust.

Sarajevo gained international acclaim when it hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics. The event showcased the city's ability to bring together diverse cultures and highlighted its scenic beauty and rich history. The Olympic legacy is still evident in the city's sports facilities and the memories cherished by its residents.

The Siege of Sarajevo, which lasted from April 1992 to February 1996, was one of the longest sieges in modern history. During the Bosnian War, Sarajevo was subjected to intense shelling and sniper attacks by Bosnian Serb forces. The siege resulted in severe hardship for the city's residents, with thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. Despite the devastation, the people of Sarajevo demonstrated remarkable resilience and solidarity.

Following the end of the Bosnian War, Sarajevo embarked on a journey of reconstruction and healing. International aid and local efforts have helped restore many of the city's historic buildings and infrastructure. Today, Sarajevo is a vibrant, multicultural city that proudly showcases its unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage. The city's dynamic arts scene, thriving café culture, and rich history continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Sarajevo is serviced by Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), located approximately 9 kilometers southwest of the city center. The airport hosts flights from major European cities and a few intercontinental routes. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use the airport shuttle service to reach the city center. Alternatively, you can arrive by train or bus from other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina or neighboring countries. The central train and bus stations are located close to each other in the city, providing easy access to public transport.

Sarajevo has a well-developed public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trolleybuses. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive, but always ensure the meter is running. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car, though be mindful of parking restrictions in the city center. Walking is an excellent way to explore the old town (Baščaršija) and other central areas.

The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM or KM). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Sarajevo, and currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange offices.

Sarajevo is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in tourist hotspots like Baščaršija and public transport. Neighborhoods like Ciglane and Marijin Dvor are usually safe, but it's best to stay vigilant regardless of where you are.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Major hospitals in Sarajevo include the University Clinical Center Sarajevo and General Hospital Prim. Dr. Abdulah Nakaš. Pharmacies are widespread and usually well-stocked. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing in such contexts. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, cover your head (for women) and remove shoes. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. In more formal settings, a slight bow of the head is a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sarajevo like a local, visit the Markale Market where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals in cafes; they are often friendly and eager to share stories about the city’s history. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Yellow Fortress for a panoramic view of the city. For a unique experience, take a leisurely walk along the Miljacka River and stop by the historic Latin Bridge.