Discover the Rich History and Culinary Delights of Sarajevo

From the moment we arrived in Sarajevo, I was completely captivated! This charming city, nestled in the heart of the Balkans, surrounded by the majestic Dinaric Alps and sprawled along the banks of the Miljacka River, had an irresistible charm. Sarajevo, the vibrant capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina, is celebrated for its rich history and cultural diversity, often described as the place 'where East meets West.'

As I wandered through the heart of Sarajevo, the contrast was striking. To my left stood magnificent buildings reflecting Austro-Hungarian influence, and just a few steps further, I felt like I had been transported to the middle of Istanbul, with architecture showcasing centuries of Ottoman heritage. This unique blend of East meets West was not only visible in Sarajevo’s architecture but also in its cuisine and everyday life.

Visiting the Tunnel of Hope was a profoundly moving experience, a stark reminder of human resilience and the unwavering determination of Sarajevo's people. During the Bosnian War in the early 1990s, Sarajevo was under siege by the Serbian army for nearly four years and the people of Sarajevo faced dire shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies. Amidst this adversity, the Tunnel of Hope emerged as a lifeline. Built in secret and under constant threat, this 800-meter-long tunnel connected the city with the free Bosnian territory on the other side of the Sarajevo Airport.

The Tunnel of Hope was an extraordinary feat of engineering and human determination, literally dug by hand, 24 hours a day with workers digging from opposite ends.  It took just four months to complete and opened in 1993.  The Tunnel of Hope provided a crucial passage for supplies and a means of escape for thousands of civilians.  Walking through the dimly lit tunnel, I could almost feel the desperation and hope that propelled its construction. The narrow walls echoed the whispers of those who had crawled through, carrying not just provisions but the very essence of survival. It was a poignant reminder of the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones and preserve their future. The Tunnel of Hope stands today not just as a historical monument, but as a testament to the unyielding courage and solidarity of Sarajevo's citizens during one of their darkest times.

Our walking tour of Sarajevo started in Baščaršija, the bustling old bazaar and cultural heart of Sarajevo. Established in the 15th century, this vibrant marketplace is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with cafes and shops selling traditional crafts, delicious local delicacies, and souvenirs. The air was filled with the aromatic scent of Bosnian coffee and grilled meat, reminding me that this was definitely the place I was going to enjoy my lunch at later on.

Next, we visited the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture built in 1530. The mosque's elegant minaret and beautifully decorated interior were awe-inspiring, reflecting the deep-rooted Islamic heritage of the city. However, what caught my eye whilst admiring the mosque, was the Sarajevo Clock tower (Sahat kula). The clock’s face displays Arabic numerals, and its timekeeping method aligns with the phases of the moon, and starts counting from the moment of sunset, and not from midnight as in modern time keeping.  Adding to its charm, there is a dedicated family who manually looks after the clock once a week to ensure its accuracy and preservation.

The next stop was Gavrilo Princip Museum, a small yet profoundly significant site that commemorates the momentous event that most people say, changed the course of history. Located near the Latin Bridge, the museum stands at the very spot where Gavrilo Princip, a young Bosnian Serb nationalist, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, on June 28, 1914. This assassination is widely regarded as the spark that ignited World War I.

The museum itself is small but is filled with artifacts and exhibits that provide a detailed account of the assassination and its far-reaching consequences. Among the displays are the pistols used by Princip, photographs from the era, and personal items belonging to the key figures involved. Walking through the museum, you gain a deeper understanding of the motivations behind Princip's actions and the tragic chain of events that ensued. It was a sobering reminder of how a single moment in history can shape the destiny of nations and alter the course of millions of lives.

Another must-try is cevapi, a beloved grilled dish featuring minced meat kebabs (usually a choice of 5 or 10) seasoned to perfection. Served alongside warm, crusty traditional Bosnian flat bread, and a heap of raw brown onion, this meal provides a satisfying contrast of flavours and textures. The bread, baked in traditional wood-fired ovens, adds a rustic charm to the dining experience, perfect for soaking up the juices and savouring each bite.