Baščaršija, Sarajevo

Baščaršija, Sarajevo

Located on the north bank of the Miljacka River, Baščaršija is a 15th century bazaar that forms the historic and cultural center of Sarajevo.

Located on the north bank of the Miljacka River, Baščaršija is a 15th century bazaar that forms the historic and cultural center of Sarajevo. In fact, it was twice its current size till the 19th century when a fire gutted down half the shops in the Oriental market. Set up by Ottoman governor Isa-Beg Isaković across the Miljacka originally as a caravanserai, it quickly developed as a new economic center, with the Bazerdžani čaršija around the entrance, čaršija Kazaz to the west, and the čaršija Sedlar and Sarača to the north. The late 16th century to early 17th century was the golden era of the bazaar which grew to over 12,000 shops, and had dedicated lanes for 80 different types of crafts which were overseen by guilds.

The area has several important attractions, such as the Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque, sahat-kula (clock tower), Sebilj (fountain), Gazi Husrev-Beg's Hamam and bezistan, Morića Han, Old Church, Old Synagogue which houses the Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, New Synagogue, Sevdah Art House, and Vijećnica, the City Hall. Across the river stand the Emperor's Mosque and Inat Kuca.