The Timeless Charm of Baščaršija

• HelloZdravo
  [ZDRAH-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [DOH-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [DAH]
• NoNe
  [NEH]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [MOH-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [HVAH-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [EEZ-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [KAH-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [DOH-broh. Ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [GOH-voh-ree-teh lee ENG-lehs-kee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [NEH rah-ZOO-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, želim vidjeti jelovnik
  [MOH-leem vahs, ZHEH-leem VEE-dyeh-tee YEH-lohv-neek]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [NEH YEH-dehm MEH-soh]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [ZHEEV-ye-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [ZHEH-leem PLAH-tee-tee, MOH-leem]

• Help!Upomoć!
  [OO-poh-mohch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [EE-dee oh-DAHV-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [POH-zoh-vee-teh poh-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/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 KOSH-tah]
• 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 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-seht)]
• 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
  [Pehht]
• 6Šest
  [SHEH-st]
• 7Sedam
  [SEH-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [OH-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [DEH-veht]
• 10Deset
  [DEH-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...?
  [GD-yeh 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-teh lee mee poh-KAH-zah-tee (nah MAH-pee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [KAH-dah yeh SLYEH-deh-chee (OW-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (za ....)
  [YEH-dnoo KAR-too (zah)]

Baščaršija, the old bazaar of Sarajevo, was established in the 15th century shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia. It served as the commercial and cultural heart of the city, characterized by its vibrant marketplaces and traditional crafts. The area was designed around a central marketplace, reflecting the typical Ottoman urban layout, which emphasized communal spaces for trade and social interaction.

In 1531, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque was built in Baščaršija, becoming one of the most significant religious and architectural landmarks in Sarajevo. Commissioned by Gazi Husrev-beg, the mosque exemplifies classic Ottoman architecture and has been a center for Islamic education and community life for centuries. It remains a symbol of the Islamic heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The 19th century marked a period of cultural flourishing in Baščaršija, as Sarajevo became a melting pot of various influences due to increased trade and the presence of diverse ethnic groups. This era saw the establishment of numerous educational institutions, coffee houses, and cultural societies, contributing to the vibrant social fabric of the neighborhood.

Following the Austro-Hungarian annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1878, Baščaršija experienced significant changes. The authorities promoted modernization while attempting to preserve Ottoman influences. This era saw the construction of new infrastructure, including roads and public buildings, which altered the traditional landscape but aimed to integrate Baščaršija into a modern urban framework.

During the Bosnian War in the 1990s, Baščaršija suffered considerable damage during the Siege of Sarajevo. Despite the destruction, the resilience of the local population shone through as they worked to maintain their cultural identity amidst adversity. The post-war reconstruction efforts have led to a revival of the neighborhood, restoring its historical buildings and revitalizing its status as a cultural hub.

Today, Baščaršija continues to be a vital cultural and historical district within Sarajevo. It hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, and gatherings that celebrate the rich heritage of the city. The area is also known for its traditional crafts, such as copperwork and the famous Bosnian coffee, which attract tourists seeking to experience the authentic spirit of Sarajevo.

Baščaršija is located in the heart of Sarajevo and is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From the historic Vrelo Bosne area, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the city center. The main bus station (Autobuska stanica) is about 15 minutes away by taxi, and from there, you can catch a bus or tram that goes directly to Baščaršija. If you are coming from the airport, taxis are available, and the journey to Baščaršija takes around 20 minutes.

Baščaršija is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, making it ideal for exploring on foot. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance. Public transport options include trams and buses that connect to other parts of the city. Taxis are also available, and you can use ride-sharing apps for convenience. Bicycles can be rented from local vendors, and there are bike lanes in some areas, though be cautious of pedestrian traffic.

Baščaršija is generally a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing. While the neighborhood is vibrant, it's advisable to stay away from poorly lit streets at night. Areas to be particularly cautious in include some side streets after dark. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

In case of an emergency, call 122 for police assistance, 123 for fire services, and 124 for medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital, which is the University Clinical Center of Sarajevo. It is advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Pharmacies are readily available in Baščaršija, where you can find over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting mosques or religious sites. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; remove your shoes when entering a mosque. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'Dobar dan' (Good day) and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like ćevapi and baklava. Don't refuse food or drink offered to you, as it may offend the host.

To experience Baščaršija like a local, visit the lively bazaars and markets, where you can find handmade crafts and traditional Bosnian coffee. Engage with the locals at street cafes, where they often gather to discuss daily life. Try to learn a few basic Bosnian phrases, as locals appreciate any effort to communicate in their language. Don't miss the iconic Sebilj fountain, a perfect spot for photos and a great place to rest while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the neighborhood.