[wzslider autoplay=”true” info=”true”]1. Old Bridge Museum and War photo Exhibition
Just like the Opera house in Sydney, the Old Bridge is the iconic symbol of Mostar. If you wanted to learn more about the history of the bridge which gives the identity of this magical city and it’s cultural heritage, I would strongly suggest the Old Bridge Museum. Head to the Tara Tower, which is located on the bridge in the left tower up the stairs. The entry ticket is cheap, 2 KM (1 EU) and the museum has 3 sections. The old bridge museum is a fantastic experience, and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy summer day.
For a real look into Mostar during the war be sure to check out the WAR PHOTO EXHIBITION. This gallery has a collection of photos taken by New Zealand born photographer Wade Goddard. Wade, in his early 20’s arrived in Bosnia in 1992, to try his hand in photojournalism. Over the next several years or so he covered the events in Mostar both during and post war. These photos show the emotions and struggles of people trying to live every day life in a war zone, with a type of artistic honesty that is very moving. Wade also has a exhibition in Dubrovnik.
Elma & Sanja, two friends of mine work at this museum, both speak English and would be happy to tell you the history behind the museum. Entry to the exhibition is around 3-4 marks (2 euros approximately). Be sure to sign their guest book!
2. Carsija (Markets/bazaar)
The čaršija (markets) in Mostar lie on both river banks connected by the Old Bridge, and stretch out from the bridge in both directions. The bazaar in Mostar is oriental, and it might feel as though you have been transported to Istanbul; Bosnia has been influenced heavily by the Ottoman era. Shop owners can be seen standing at their shops, and often enjoy a chat with each other. Most of them speak some English, so don’t be afraid to say hi, they love the chat. The old town is always buzzing with people walking around, streets are decorated with tradition Bosnian rugs, Turkish style glass lamps, snow globes of the bridge, traditional pipe flutes, embroidered tablecloths, copper work, handmade jewellery, colourful paintings, mini Aladdin lamps, and Persian style decorated plates. Even empty bullet shells and other artillery pieces made into pens and keychains. Australians you will have to declare any wood items, but they aren’t too strict with it, only talking second look at items in customs
3. Kriva Cuprija (Crooked Bridge)
The mini Stari Most and the oldest single arch stone bridge in Mostar. Kriva Cuprija was built in 1558 by an Ottoman architect Cejvan Kethoda. Supposedly it was the “Guinea pig” before the construction of the Stari Most began, to test the designs plausibility. Its so pefect you can’t tell that it was a test dummy for a grander bridge. It crosses the Rabobolja creek, a right-bank affluent of the Neretva River, and so many nice restaurants/cafes that have a view of this smaller bridge and the river. This particular bridge was also weakened during the war, the floods of December 2000 were enough to destroy it; thankfully its full reconstruction was completed in 2001, financed by Luxenbourg.
4. Čardak
The word Čardak stems from Persian language chār ṭāq, four-cornered vault and its Turkish variant çardak, meaning hut, became spread through the Balkan peninsula. Čardaks can be found all throughout the Balkan region. In Croatia these are residential wooden houses raised off the ground, standing on supports. In Serbia, Bulgaria and Macedonia they are wooden structures on stilts, raised from the ground primarily used to store corn.
But in Bosnia it is a large lounge room on the first floor with a view. The Čardak on the bridge is located the western entrance, right in between the divers club and the war photo exhibition. In summer for 1 euro you can get a traditional Bosnia coffee or Turkish tea. The house is decorated with traditional rugs, Turkish tables, cushions and household items. Perfect spot to get away from the crowds, cool down, sit and enjoy a coffee with a beautiful view of the bridge below.
The Diving Clubs cafe is a hidden oasis, often going unnoticed by the majority of tourists; this mixed with the spectacular views make it a fantastic place to take in a traditional tea or black coffee.
5. Bišćević House
Just like the Muslibegovic house, the Biscevic house is one of the three Turkish houses in Mostar and a great place to get a glimpse of life during the Ottoman days. It was built in the 1635 and is is located near the Karadjoz Beg Mosque, Inside you will see a fountain in the courtyard, where you pay a small entry fee.(2 €). It is customary to take your shoes off at the door, and up the stairs there’s a trapdoor that staff can open for you to head up. Throughout the house you can see traditional rugs, tables, beds, nurseries, clothing, and household things from the Ottoman period. There is also a chest of traditional clothes you can dress up with! Downstairs in the courtyard, you can see a kitchen with all the cooking utensils we use today. The courtyard is surrounded by high walls, to stop the prying eyes of the men back in the modest days, as men and women had their own rooms.
Written by theBosnian Aussie
