Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Region: Herzegovina-Neretva Canton
Geographic Coordinates: 43.343600, 17.807500
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Population: 113169
Language: Bosnian
Mostar is a city situated in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Surrounded by mountains and nestled in a valley. The iconic Old Bridge is one of its most famous landmarks, Connecting the two sides of the city over the Neretva River. This bridge was initially built during Ottoman rule in the 16th century and has become a symbol of Mostar’s cultural heritage. The Old Town area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boasting cobbled streets adorned with traditional Ottoman-style houses and shops selling handmade crafts.
It has undergone significant restoration efforts to repair damage caused during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. Mostar’s unique blend of cultures can be seen through its architecture, Food, And traditions due to sitting at the crossroads between East and West. Visitors can enjoy traditional Bosnian dishes such as cevapi or burek while also trying Turkish coffee or baklava. Aside from exploring Old Town, Visitors can take strolls along riverbanks to see stunning views of Mostar’s surrounding mountains or relax at several nearby parks for picnics on sunny days.
For history enthusiasts, Several museums throughout Mostar offer insight into Bosnia’s complex past such as Museum of Herzegovina showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times through modern-day Bosnia-Herzegovina history while Muslibegovic House offers an inside look at life during Ottoman rule. tourists cannot leave without experiencing Mostar’s famous diving tradition where locals jump off Old Bridge into Neretva River below during summer months while tourists watch from boats or along riverbanks. Overall, Mostar provides visitors with an unforgettable experience blending culture, History, Natural beauty and adventure.
- Stari Most Bridge
- Old Town (Stari Grad)
- Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
- Karadjoz-bey Mosque
- Biscevic House Museum
- Muslibegovic House Museum
- Blagaj Tekke (Dervish Monastery)
- Kravice Waterfalls
- Tara Tower (Halebija Tower)
- Franciscan Church and Monastery
- Tourism: Mostar is a popular tourist destination due to its historic Old Town, the iconic Stari Most bridge, and natural beauty.
- Agriculture: The surrounding area of Mostar is known for its fertile land and agricultural production of fruits, vegetables, and livestock.
- Manufacturing: There are several small to medium-sized manufacturing companies producing textiles, furniture, wood products, metal goods, and construction materials.
- Retail: The city has a number of shopping centers and markets selling a variety of goods from clothing to electronics.
- Construction: With ongoing reconstruction efforts after the Bosnian War (1992-1995), there is significant construction activity in the city.
- Education: There are several universities located in Mostar including the University of Mostar which attracts students from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as other countries.
- Healthcare: There are several hospitals and medical clinics providing healthcare services to residents of Mostar and surrounding areas.
- Transportation: As a major transportation hub for southern Bosnia-Herzegovina with good road connections to Croatia’s Adriatic coast or Sarajevo’s international airport – there are also opportunities related to logistics or transport services such as shipping or trucking companies operating out of this city too!
- The Ottoman Empire: Mostar was under Ottoman rule for over 400 years, from the 15th century until the Austro-Hungarian occupation in 1878.
- Stari Most: The iconic bridge over the Neretva River, known as Stari Most (Old Bridge), was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and became a symbol of Mostar’s cultural heritage. It was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993 but was rebuilt and reopened in 2004.
- World War II: During World War II, Mostar was occupied by Nazi Germany and its allies. The city suffered significant damage during this time.
- Josip Broz Tito: Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito visited Mostar several times during his rule and contributed to its development.
- Siege of Mostar: During the Bosnian War (1992-1995), the city of Mostar was besieged by Croatian forces who sought to control it as part of their own territory within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Alija Izetbegović: Alija Izetbegović, a politician who served as President of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1990 to 1996, lived in Mostar for many years before his death in 2003.
- Radovan Karadžić: Radovan Karadžić, a former Bosnian Serb politician who was convicted of war crimes committed during the Bosnian War including genocide against Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims) at Srebrenica massacre lived near Sarajevo but had political influence on all parts including on politics regarding mostarski govor – dialect spoken mostly around region where city is located
- Stari Most Bridge is an iconic symbol of Mostar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The old town (Stari Grad) is a charming area with cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and plenty of shops and restaurants.
- The Museum of Herzegovina showcases the history and culture of the Herzegovina region through exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, art, and more.
- Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque offers stunning views over the city from its minaret; it was built in the 17th century.
- Bišćevića House is a well-preserved Ottoman-era house that provides insight into traditional Bosnian architecture and lifestyle.
- Franciscan Monastery & Church of Saint Peter & Paul is a beautiful complex featuring a church with impressive frescoes dating back to the 14th century.
- Blagaj Tekke (Dervish Monastery) is a 16th-century monastery built into a cliff overlooking the Buna River spring.
- Sniper Tower (Tito’s Tower) served as an observation post during the Bosnian War but now serves as a grim reminder of those times; it’s an abandoned building.
- Museum Of The Old Bridge has exhibits about Stari Most bridge which was destroyed in 1993 during war.
- Kujundziluk Street is one of the oldest streets in Mostar where you can find many souvenir shops selling handmade items like copper pots, plates etc.
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HŠK Zrinjski Mostar is the oldest football club in Mostar, founded in 1905. It’s also one of the most successful clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, having won six championships and five cups.
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FK Velež Mostar is another popular football club from Mostar, founded in 1922. The team has won several domestic titles over the years, including three championships and four cups.
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HKK Zrinjski Mostar is a basketball club from Mostar that was founded in 1976. The team has had some success at the national level, winning two Bosnian championships.
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ŽRK Zrinjski Mostar is a women’s handball club from Mostar that was established in 1960. The team has won several domestic titles over the years, including four championships and six cups.
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OK Mladost MG Sport is a volleyball club from Mostar that was founded back in 1947. Over time, it has achieved some success at the national level by winning several Bosnian championships.
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RK Hercegovac Bileća (HRK Herceg Stjepan) represents not only Bileća but also whole Herzegovina region as well as Montenegro coast region.The handball club was founded back in 1951 and competes both on national level (Bosnia & Herzegovina) as well as regional league called SEHA League where it represents Bosnia & Herzegovina.
- Mostar Summer Festival is a month-long celebration of music, theater, dance and other cultural events.
- International Theatre Festival Mostar showcases plays from Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries over a week.
- Mostar Blues & Rock Festival is a two-day event dedicated to blues and rock music.
- Days of Mimar Sinan is an annual celebration honoring the famous Ottoman architect who designed many buildings in Mostar.
- International Film Festival Mostar features films from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as international films for five days.
- International Street Art Festival MostARt brings artists together to create street art in public spaces around the city.
- The Bridge Jumping Competition takes place every year on July 22nd where locals jump off the famous Stari Most bridge into the Neretva River below to honor an ancient tradition that dates back centuries ago when young men would jump off to prove their bravery or win over their loved ones’ hearts.
- Souvenir Fair happens annually during summer months where visitors can buy souvenirs made by local artisans such as hand-woven carpets, pottery, jewelry, etc., all while enjoying traditional Bosnian food and drink specialties like cevapi or burek pastry filled with meat or cheese filling.
- Ćevapi is a traditional Bosnian dish made of grilled minced meat served in a flatbread called lepinja.
- Burek is a pastry filled with meat, cheese or vegetables.
- Kajmak is a spread made from milk cream, often served with bread.
- Pita is a type of pie filled with spinach or cheese.
- Roštilj includes grilled meat dishes such as lamb, beef and chicken skewers.
- Tufahija is a dessert made from baked apples stuffed with walnuts and topped with whipped cream.
Some popular restaurants in Mostar are:
- Hindin Han which serves traditional Bosnian cuisine in an atmospheric setting
- Sadrvan offers authentic Bosnian food and live music performances
- Šadrvan 84 located near the Old Bridge serves delicious seafood dishes
- Urban Grill known for its tasty burgers and steaks cooked on an open grill
- Konoba Taurus specializes in homemade pasta dishes and fresh seafood
- Park Zrinjevac: This park is situated in the heart of the city and boasts a large fountain, walking paths, and benches for relaxation.
- Blagaj Tekke: A historical site located just outside Mostar that features a 16th-century Dervish monastery and beautiful natural surroundings.
- Kravice Waterfalls: These cascading waterfalls are located approximately 40 km from Mostar and provide opportunities for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.
- Hum Hill: Overlooking the city of Mostar, this hill offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area along with hiking trails.
- Bijeli Brijeg Stadium: Home to FK Velež Mostar football team, this stadium hosts regular matches throughout the year.
- Mepas Mall: A modern shopping mall that includes an indoor ice skating rink, bowling alley, cinema complex, food court, and numerous shops.
- Old Bridge Museum: Located near Stari Most (Old Bridge), this museum provides insight into the history of bridge construction in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- Neretva River Rafting Tours: Visitors can take guided tours down Neretva River on rafts or kayaks to enjoy scenic views of nature along with adventure sports activities like rafting or kayaking.
- Buna River Spring & Cave Tour: Visitors can explore this natural wonder by taking a guided tour through its underground cave system which leads to its source at Buna river spring.
