Marijin Dvor: The Heartbeat of Sarajevo

• HelloZdravo
  [ZDRAH-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [doh-VEE-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [MOH-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [HVAA-lah]
• 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?Da li govorite engleski?
  [dah lee go-VOH-ree-teh ENG-lehs-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 VEE-dyeh-tee MEH-nee, MOH-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [neh YEH-dem MEH-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [ZHEEV-yeh-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 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 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
  [peht]
• 6Šest
  [shest]
• 7Sedam
  [SEH-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [OH-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [DEH-veht]
• 10Deset
  [DEH-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [KO-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 dolazi sledeći (autobus)?
  [KAH-dah DOH-lah-zee SLEH-deh-chee (OW-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedna karta (do ....)
  [YEH-dnah KAHR-tah (doh)]

Marijin Dvor, like much of Sarajevo, was significantly influenced by the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the region from the 15th to the late 19th century. During this period, the area developed as a residential neighborhood for the affluent, with elegant homes and gardens reflecting the architectural styles of the time. The presence of mosques and public baths exemplifies the Islamic influence in urban planning and community life.

Following the occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1878, Marijin Dvor underwent extensive urban modernization. The Austro-Hungarian authorities implemented new infrastructure, including roads and public services, which transformed the neighborhood into a modern urban area. This era saw the construction of iconic buildings that still define the architectural landscape of Marijin Dvor today, blending Austro-Hungarian influences with local styles.

During World War II, Sarajevo was occupied by Axis powers, leading to significant hardship for residents of Marijin Dvor and the surrounding areas. The post-war period marked the beginning of socialist governance, which brought about further changes as the neighborhood adapted to the needs of a socialist society. New housing developments were constructed to accommodate the growing population, reflecting the architectural trends of the time.

The Siege of Sarajevo from 1992 to 1996 had a profound impact on Marijin Dvor, as it did across the city. The neighborhood experienced intense conflict, with many residents displaced and buildings damaged or destroyed. The siege brought international attention to the humanitarian crisis, and efforts to rebuild and restore the neighborhood have been ongoing since the end of the war, leading to a gradual revitalization of the area.

Today, Marijin Dvor is a vibrant cultural hub, reflecting the diverse heritage of Sarajevo. The neighborhood is home to a mix of ethnicities and religions, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural expressions. Festivals, art exhibitions, and community events take place regularly, showcasing the resilience and creativity of its residents while honoring the area's complex history.

Marijin Dvor is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Sarajevo. If you're arriving at Sarajevo International Airport, you can take a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle service directly to Marijin Dvor, which is approximately 10 kilometers away. Public transport options include buses from the city center, such as the number 31 or 32, which connect to various parts of the city and pass through Marijin Dvor. Alternatively, trams from the main station can connect you to nearby areas, and then you can walk to your destination.

Marijin Dvor is well-connected by public transport, including buses and trams. The local bus services are efficient and cover most areas within the neighborhood. You can purchase a ticket at kiosks or from the driver. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport, with bike lanes available along main roads. For a more leisurely pace, walking is a great option, as many attractions are within walking distance.

Marijin Dvor is generally considered safe for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, it is advisable to stay vigilant, particularly in crowded areas and at night. Specific areas such as the outskirts of the neighborhood may have higher crime rates, so avoid wandering in poorly lit areas after dark. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in busy markets or public transport.

In case of emergency, dial 122 for police, 124 for fire, and 123 for medical assistance. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The nearest hospital is the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo, located just a short distance from Marijin Dvor. Pharmacies are available throughout the neighborhood for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; it's polite to greet locals with 'Selam' or 'Dobar dan.' Public Transport: Do give your seat to elderly passengers and keep noise levels low. Don’t consume food or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'čevapi' and 'sarak' and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may offend your hosts.

To experience Marijin Dvor like a local, visit the Avaz Twist Tower for panoramic views of the city. Explore the local cafes and bakeries; try a 'kafa' (coffee) and a 'tufahija' (a traditional dessert). Engage with local residents to learn about the history of the area. Don’t miss the nearby Wilson's Promenade, a lovely spot for a walk or a picnic, and be sure to explore the vibrant street art that adorns many buildings in the neighborhood.