Moslem Architecture - Mostar

Tourists return to Mostar in great number every year, mostly to see the specific Moslem remains and buildings devastated during the last war!

• During the Turkish governing, the city was an important merchant center. A guided tour through the city would show you the most interesting parts of the city - the Old bridge, mosques, markets and typical Turkish buildings
• During the reign of the Turks, it had 34 mosques, several mektebs (Moslem religious elementary schools), khans and taverns (places to remain for the night), two Turkish baths (public bathrooms), 7 Moslem religious secondary schools, 2 libraries, a clock tower and plumbing
• Before entering the city of Mostar, there is a stop at Pocitelj, to visit the old Turkish fortress
• Note: Some identification document is obligatory (due to passing the border with a neighbor country)

The city of Mostar is situated on the banks of the river Neretva. The banks were originally matched by an old bridge. The suspension bridge was replaced by a stone bridge - the symbol of the city - constructed by master Hajrudin in 1556.

Mostar is located on an important road that connects Bosnia and countries around the Danube, on one side, and the Adriatic Sea, on the other side. It is political, cultural, educational, industrial and religious center of Herzegovina. For the first time the place is mentioned in 1452. in addition, it is established by Radivoje Gost, a nobleman who served at the duke Stjepan Kosaca. The very name Mostar is written down in 1474. just before, it was conquered by the Turks. Before the Turkish conquest, there was a Franciscan monastery. The exact time of its foundation is unknown but it was completely devastated by the Turks during the persecution of Catholics at the beginning of the 16^th century.

According to its urbane appearance and architecture, Mostar presents a mixture of Oriental and Western culture, or otherwise, Moslem and Christian culture. That gives the town an extraordinary look and beauty. During the monarchy of Austria and Hungary, the town even more looked like West European place.

Today the city is almost completely reconstructed.

We leave Mostar following the old Napoleon’s road that passes on the mountain Biokovo, from which one has a beautiful view to the central Dalmatia.