The Pearl of the Balkans: Mostar
It's time for the pearl of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Balkans: Mostar.
Mostar takes its name from its famous bridge on the river Neretva as 'Most' means 'Bridge' in Bosnian. And Mostar means the man who protects the bridge. The city which has an average of 115 thousand inhabitants, meets intensive influx of tourists especially in Summer and Spring. The lush waters of the Neretva, the Ottoman architectural wonder bridge and the historic center of the city are responsible for this ?
Being the symbol for multinational happiness and tolerance for many years suffered greatly during the disintegration of Yugoslavia and the war of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 427 year old bridge collapsed and many historic buildings were damaged during this period. Serbs left the city; Bosniaks and Croats started to live in two separate sides of the river. Although many historic buildings have been restored after the war, there are still many tumbledown buildings which have 'Do not approach, danger' signs. Today Mostar with its beauty and historical texture, has become the pupil of tourists again.
How to get to Mostar?
Located two hours from Sarajevo, Mostar can be reached with regular buses and trains from Sarajevo. We recommend the pretty comfortable train because of the exquisite views of mountains and nature.
What to eat in Mostar?
There are many restaurants around offering great views of the bridge. But unfortunately we didn't find the food as delicious as in Sarajevo. We felt a more touristic approach here. Still, it is worth for the beautiful view. Here you can eat the famous Bosniak meatball Cevapi, hamburger-like Pleskavica, a full lamb feast Briyan,a soup made of chicken and vegetables:Begova and of course the famous Bosniak pie Burek. The principal spot we will suggest for Bosnian pastry and pies is an oven situated close to Lucki Most which is another bridge that unites the city. If you go through the top street of the Coppersmiths çerşı in old town, you will walk straight into this tiny oven which has super delicious products you. Rates are convenient here as the locals also prefer the oven. There's plenty of hostels in this area too.
Things to Do in Mostar
1. Most Bridge (Stari Most)
Perhaps the most beautiful of Ottoman stone bridges, Mostar was built by Mimar (Architect) Hayreddin who is the student of Ottoman genius Mimar Sinan in 1566. The bridge could be completed in 9 years and has since become an icon combining many different nations and cultures. In 1993, during the Bosnian civil war, the bridge became also the symbol of the war when Croatian artillery fire buried it in water. With Turkey's great support and the contribution of the international community, the bridge was restored between the years 2002-2004 with stones from the same Quarry just like the original and made available again. Today, Unesco protected bridge and old city offers one of the most beautiful sights in the Balkans. There's also a legendary tradition of the bridge. Of the 24-meter-high bridge, the city's youngsters leave themselves in cool waters of the Neretva. Used to be a show for their courage to the girls they love, this activity is now executed as a revenue stream.
2. Old City of Mostar (Stari Grad)
When you first came to the town, the signs of Stari Grad will take you to the heart of this little city. In addition to the world-famous Mostar Bridge, the old town hosts all the attractive spots for tourists: the Curved bridge, Tara Tower, Museum of old bridge, Karagöz Bey Mosque which is a work of Mimar Sinan, Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque which has the greatest view of the city from its minaret, Coppersmith's Bazaar and many other little surprises. In Mostar, all of the main sights are in the old city or very close to it. Therefore it offers you a very neat trip plan.
3. Blagay (Blagaj)
You shouldn't skip this magnificient place which is very close to Mostar. On one of Neretva's branches, located at the birthplace of the river, this charming village is situated only 15 minutes from Mostar. The most important place to be seen in Blagaj which is a very small settlement is the Alperin Tekke which is located where the river is born. Built during the Ottoman period and having a great influence on local people to choose Islam, Tekke has an entrance fee of 2.5 km. The restaurants around are ideal to sip your Turkish coffee while watching the wonderful landscape.
