Medijana: The Heartbeat of Niš

• 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?Da li govorite engleski?
  [Dah lee go-vo-ree-teh ehn-gleh-skee?]
• I don't understandNe razumem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih jelovnik, molim
  [Moh-lee-oh bee yeh-lohv-neek, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živeli!
  [Zhee-veh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽeleo bih da platim, molim
  [Zheh-leh-oh bee dah plah-teem, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-moh-ch!]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh!]
• Call the Police!Zovite policiju!
  [Zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Zovite doktora!
  [Zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [Eez-goo-bee-oh sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želeo bih da kupim...
  [Zheh-leh-oh bee dah koo-peem...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-shtah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-sheh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tseh-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...?Gde je...?
  [Gdeh yeh...?]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li da mi pokažete (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee dah mee poh-kah-zheh-teh (nah mah-pee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)
  [Yeh-dnoo kahr-too (doh ....)]

Medijana is renowned for its rich Roman heritage, as it is the site of the ancient city of Naissus, the birthplace of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The archaeological findings in Medijana, including luxurious villas and intricate mosaics, provide insight into the daily life and architectural advancements of the Roman period. This area served as a vital urban center in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.

Following the establishment of Christianity as the state religion of the Roman Empire, Medijana became an important site for early Christian activities. The archaeological evidence suggests that early Christian communities thrived here, contributing to the spread of Christian teachings in the region, which played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of Niš and its surroundings.

During the Ottoman Empire's rule over Serbia, Medijana experienced significant cultural and architectural influences. The region became integrated into the broader Ottoman administrative framework, leading to the construction of mosques and other public buildings that reflect the architectural styles of the time. This era also witnessed a blend of local customs with Ottoman traditions, enriching the cultural tapestry of Medijana.

Medijana, like much of Niš, was profoundly affected by World War II. The local population was involved in the resistance movement against Axis powers, contributing to the broader struggle for liberation. This period left a lasting impact on the community, fostering a strong sense of national identity and resilience among the residents.

In recent years, Medijana has seen a revival of interest in its historical and cultural heritage. Efforts to conserve archaeological sites and promote local traditions have emerged, with festivals and cultural events celebrating the rich history of Niš. The neighbourhood has become a focal point for both locals and tourists seeking to explore the layers of history that define the area.

Medijana is accessible from various parts of Niš. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or rideshare, which are readily available throughout the city. For public transport, local buses operate routes that connect Medijana with the city center and other neighborhoods. If you're coming from Niš Airport, taxis are available, and the journey to Medijana takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Medijana is a relatively compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Local buses also serve the area, providing connections to other neighborhoods in Niš. Bicycles can be rented from various locations in the city, allowing for a leisurely ride through Medijana and beyond. Taxis and rideshare services are available for longer distances or late-night travel.

Medijana is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas. While there are no specific neighborhoods in Medijana known for high crime rates, it is advisable to be cautious in poorly lit areas and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places.

In emergencies, dial 192 for police assistance and 194 for medical emergencies. The local hospital is located nearby, and there are pharmacies throughout Medijana for minor health issues. It is prudent to have travel insurance that covers emergencies and to keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothes suited for walking; casual attire is acceptable. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; when entering churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do give your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and accept invitations to eat. Don't waste food or refuse hospitality, as it may offend your hosts.

To experience Medijana like a local, visit the nearby markets for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with residents to learn about the history and culture of the area. Don't miss the archaeological site of Medijana, which features ancient Roman ruins. For a unique experience, try visiting local cafés where you can enjoy traditional Serbian coffee and pastries while mingling with locals.