About Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina, home to different religions and ethnic groups, bears the traces of its deep-rooted past on every square meter. Ruled by the Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires at various points, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a colorful and diverse cultural structure.
Following the Second World War, the country became a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. After the dissolution of that state in 1991, Bosnia and Herzegovina voted for independence in 1992.
The country has two political entities: the Serbian Republic and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Where is Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Balkan country in Southeastern Europe. Bordered by Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, the country also has a narrow strip of coastline along the Adriatic Sea.
The capital and other cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Keep reading to discover four prominent cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the country’s famous dishes!
Capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo
We start our exploration of cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Sarajevo, the capital. Founded in 1461 during the Ottoman era, the city’s name was Saraybosna (Sarajevo). Its boundaries extend into both the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Serbian Republic. Sarajevo, one of the most historical capitals of Europe, is also located at the point where the Western and Eastern Roman Empires were separated.
The city has emerged in recent years as a tourism destination. With a low crime rate and sincere, friendly people, Sarajevo features a number of Ottoman-era structures along with museums, restaurants and parks. Among the city’s highlights are the Bascarsija (Başçarşı), a square surrounded by dozens of shops and featuring the 18th-century Sebilj Fountain ; the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (Gazi Hüsrev Yadigâr Mosque); the Sarajevo Tunnel (Tunnel of Hope); and the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Svrzo House, a preserved Ottoman-era house that is now a museum.
Living history: Mostar
Mostar, the largest city in the Herzegovina Region, is home to the landmark Old Bridge.
During the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, many historical buildings were destroyed, as was Mostar’s Old Bridge, erected in 1566 by Architect (Mimar) Hajruddin, a student of the famed Ottoman architect Sinan. After the war ended, the Bridge was repaired through contributions from the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, Croatia and Türkiye; a Turkish company undertook the rebuilding of the Bridge. The Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. Naturally, the Old Bridge and the Old Bridge Museum are among the city’s highlights. Other recommended places to visit are the Muslibegovic House, the Herzegovina History Museum, and the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque.
For adventurous souls: Banja Luka
Banja Luka, the largest city in the Serbian Republic, which is an autonomous administration within Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranks second in terms of size among the cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Surrounded by forests and bisected by the Vrbas River, Banja Luka has lovely waterfront routes and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and sports. Among the city’s highlights are the Ferhadija Mosque (Ferhat Pasha Mosque), the Srpske Museum, and the Ljubacke doline, an open-air museum in Ljubačevo village, about 17 kilometers from Banja Luka.
To be discovered: Tuzla
Tuzla, the third-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, takes its name from the deposits of rock salt under the city center; it is also home an artificial saltwater lake. As an important salt producer, Tuzla is a commercial center as well as a tourist destination. Among the city’s highlights are the Turalibegova (Turalı Bey) Mosque, Srebrebik Fortress, and Solni Trg, an Ottoman-era square and former salt market.
Dining in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Like other Balkan countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers visitors delicious cuisine and a plethora of dining options. Combining Turkish, Central European, Mediterranean and Balkan traditions, spices, red meat and vegetables are abundant in the country’s cuisine. Some of the most prominent dishes include:
- Pleçka (dried beef)
- Bosnian-style burek
- Raznjici (shish kebab)
- Pleskavitsa (grilled meat balls)
- Begova (a creamy soup featuring chicken, okra and root vegetables
- Proha (cornmeal flatbread)
- Livno (a hard cheese made with cow’s and sheep’s milk)
Useful information
- The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo.
- There are three languages officially spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian.
- The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnian mark.
- The largest airport in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo International Airport
- The Bosnian part of Bosnia and Herzegovina has a continental climate; the Herzegovina Region has a Mediterranean climate.
- Spring and summer are ideal times to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Getting to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Should you choose to fly rather than travel via bus, train or private vehicle, you can click here for flights to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Turkish Airlines operates flights to Sarajevo International Airport.
