Ferhadija: The Heartbeat of Sarajevo

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim/ Nema na čemu
  [Moh-leem/ Neh-mah nah cheh-moo]
• 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?Govoriš li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-reesh lee ehn-gleh-skee?]
• 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 vee-dyeh-tee meh-nee, moh-leem]
• 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-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 daw-ktoh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-bee-oh/la 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 pre skupo
  [Toh yeh preh 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-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-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdyeh yeh...]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-dreh-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 sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [Yehd-noo kahr-too (doh ...)]

Ferhadija, named after the Ferhad Pasha Mosque built in 1561, showcases the significant Ottoman influence on Sarajevo's urban landscape. The mosque became a central religious and cultural hub, symbolizing the integration of Islamic architecture into the city. Its construction marked the beginning of Ferhadija as a vital neighborhood, attracting merchants and residents alike.

During the 19th century, Ferhadija emerged as a bustling commercial center. The streets became lined with shops and markets, where traders from diverse backgrounds would gather. This vibrant atmosphere contributed to Sarajevo's economic growth and cultural exchange, as goods, ideas, and traditions flowed through the neighborhood.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which took place near Ferhadija, ignited World War I. This event not only altered the course of European history but also had profound effects on Sarajevo and its neighborhoods. The subsequent years saw the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, leading to significant changes in the political and social landscape of Ferhadija.

In the wake of World War II, Ferhadija underwent significant transformations as Yugoslavia was established. The neighborhood became a site of both resistance and adaptation, with various ethnic communities navigating the complexities of post-war life. The architectural landscape also evolved, reflecting the socialist ideals of the new regime.

During the Bosnian War in the early 1990s, Ferhadija was heavily affected by the siege of Sarajevo. The destruction of the historic Ferhad Pasha Mosque in 1993 was a significant loss for the community, symbolizing the broader cultural and historical losses suffered during the conflict. The war left deep scars on the neighborhood, affecting its population and infrastructure.

Following the war, efforts to rebuild Ferhadija began, reflecting the resilience of its inhabitants. The restoration of the Ferhad Pasha Mosque and other cultural sites became a priority, aiming to revive the neighborhood's historical character. Today, Ferhadija stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Sarajevo, blending its rich history with contemporary life.

Ferhadija is centrally located in Sarajevo, easily accessible from various parts of the city. From the Sarajevo International Airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a shuttle service that will take you directly to Ferhadija. If you are coming from other neighborhoods, public transport options like trams and buses are available. Tram line 1 and several bus routes run close to Ferhadija, making it convenient to access from areas like Baščaršija and Marijin Dvor.

Ferhadija is primarily a pedestrian-friendly area, making walking the best way to explore its shops and cafes. Public transport within Sarajevo includes trams and buses, with stops conveniently located around Ferhadija. Taxis are also readily available, and rideshare services can be used for quick trips. For a unique experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore nearby neighborhoods and parks.

Ferhadija is generally safe for tourists, but as in any urban area, it is wise to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, be cautious in crowded places like markets where pickpocketing can occur.

In the event of an emergency, call 112 for immediate assistance. For medical emergencies, approach any local pharmacy or hospital. The nearest hospital is the University Clinical Center of Sarajevo. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including your country's embassy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day) and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties, such as cevapi and baklava, and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Ferhadija like a local, visit the numerous cafes and bakeries that line the street, where you can enjoy a cup of Bosnian coffee and watch the world go by. Engage with local vendors at the nearby markets and try to learn a few words of Bosnian to connect better with the locals. Also, consider visiting nearby attractions like the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, both rich in history and architectural beauty.