Mostar history

Foundation and First Mentions

The territory of modern Mostar has been inhabited since prehistoric times; however, it began to take shape as an urban settlement in the late Middle Ages. The first written mention of the settlement dates back to 1452, when the Dubrovnik archives refer to "two towers at the bridge over the Neretva". The name "Mostar" itself first appears in Ottoman documents in 1474 and is derived from the word mostari — the name given to the guardians who watched over the wooden bridge across the river.

Key Factors in Development

The transformation of a small settlement into a significant administrative and trade centre was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Geographical Location: The city emerged in the deep valley of the Neretva River, which served as a natural route connecting the Adriatic coast with the central regions of the Balkans.
• River Crossing: The presence of a bridge made this location a critical transport hub. The replacement of the old wooden suspension bridge with the stone Old Bridge (Stari Most) in 1566, by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, definitively cemented the city's status.
• Administrative Status: After the conquest by the Ottoman Empire in the second half of the 15th century, Mostar became the centre of the Sanjak (administrative unit) of Herzegovina, which attracted officials and military personnel.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Mostar experienced a period of rapid flourishing, forming its unique character:

• Trade and Crafts: The city became a key transit point for caravans. A trade quarter formed around the bridge — the čaršija (bazaar) — where leatherworking, metalworking, and weaving thrived.
• Architecture: During this period, the city's recognisable Oriental style was established. Numerous mosques, madrasas, hammams, and the famous Kujundžiluk market were built, preserving the atmosphere of that era to this day.
• Multiculturalism: Thanks to active trade, the city's population quickly became diverse, uniting various cultural and religious traditions, which was reflected in daily life and architecture.

Major Milestones in the History of Mostar

• 1452 — First written mention in the Dubrovnik archives of a settlement with two towers at a suspension bridge over the Neretva River.
• 1468 — The region comes under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, starting the city's active development as an administrative centre.
• 1557 — By order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, preparations begin to replace the old wooden bridge with a stone one.
• 1566 — Completion of the famous stone Old Bridge under the guidance of the architect Mimar Hayruddin.
• 1570 — Construction of the Karađoz Bey Mosque, which became one of the most significant monuments of Islamic architecture in the region.
• 1833 — Mostar becomes the capital of the newly created Pashaluk of Herzegovina under the administration of Vizier Ali-paša Rizvanbegović.
• 1878 — The city comes under Austro-Hungarian administration, marking the beginning of the Europeanisation of architecture and industry.
• 1885 — Opening of the railway line linking Mostar with the Adriatic coast and Sarajevo, which accelerated economic growth.
• 1902 — Completion of the Gymnasium building on Spanish Square, designed in a unique Pseudo-Moorish style.
• 1918 — After the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, the city becomes part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (future Yugoslavia).
• 1977 — Founding of the "Džemal Bijedić" University, cementing the city's status as an important educational hub.
• 2004 — Grand opening of the fully restored Old Bridge, symbolising the city's rebirth.
• 2005 — The Old Bridge area and the historic centre of Mostar are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Mostar is a journey from a strategic crossing to the cultural and economic hub of the region. The following turning points defined the modern appearance of the city:

• Construction of the Stone Bridge (1566)

  Replacing the wooden crossing with a monumental stone structure became the catalyst for transforming a military outpost into a merchant city. This ensured a stable caravan route between the Adriatic and the inland Balkans, stimulating the rapid growth of the artisan quarter, Kujundžiluk.

• Status as Capital of Herzegovina (1833)

  Under Vizier Ali-paša Rizvanbegović, the city received the status of the administrative centre of the Pashaluk. This time was marked by economic reforms and agricultural development: rice, olives, and mulberries began to be grown in the Neretva valley, strengthening the region's economic base.

• European Urbanisation (1878–1918)

  The period of Austro-Hungarian administration brought Western standards of urban planning to the city. The construction of the railway (1885) connected Mostar to the world, and the architecture was enriched with a unique Pseudo-Moorish style (for example, the Gymnasium building), combining Oriental and European traditions.

• Industrial Breakthrough (Mid-20th Century)

  In the Yugoslav period, Mostar transformed into a major industrial hub. The opening of the "Soko" aviation plant and the aluminium combine led to a sharp increase in population and the construction of modern residential districts, significantly expanding the city boundaries.

• Emergence as an Educational Centre (1977)

  The founding of the "Džemal Bijedić" University changed the social structure of the city. Mostar became not only a working-class city but also a student city, attracting youth and the intellectual elite from all over Herzegovina.

• Cultural Renaissance and UNESCO (2004–2005)

  The large-scale reconstruction of the Old Bridge and the inclusion of the historic centre in the UNESCO World Heritage List marked a new era. The city reoriented itself towards international tourism, which has become a key driver of the local economy today.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Mostar is a unique city where Eastern and Western civilisations are organically intertwined within a small space. The urban structure of the city clearly reflects the changing historical eras, creating an eclectic yet harmonious ensemble divided by the Neretva River.

Ottoman Period (15th–19th Centuries)

The era that formed the historic core of the city and its most recognisable panorama. Urban planning developed spontaneously around the river and the main crossing, following the terrain. This period is characterised by narrow cobbled streets, stone roofs, and the orientation of residential houses towards inner courtyards.

• Style: Classical Ottoman architecture, Balkan-Oriental style.
• Characteristics: Use of local light stone, domed structures, minarets, wooden verandas, and cantilevered projections.
• Iconic Sites:
  • Old Bridge (Stari Most) — the symbol of the city and a masterpiece of 16th-century engineering.
  • Kujundžiluk — the old trading street (čaršija) with traditional artisan shops.
  • Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque — an elegant example of religious architecture overlooking the river.
  • Bišćević House — a preserved example of a residential house of the Ottoman nobility (Begs).

Austro-Hungarian Period (1878–1918)

With the arrival of the European administration, the city began to expand beyond its medieval core. European urban planners introduced a regular street layout, wide boulevards, and park zones. Architects sought to adapt European styles to the local Oriental flair, creating a unique synthesis of cultures.

• Style: Pseudo-Moorish style (Orientalism), Secession (Art Nouveau), Neo-Renaissance.
• Characteristics: Facades with rich decor, horseshoe arches, striped masonry (alternating colours), and the monumentality of administrative buildings.
• Iconic Sites:
  • Mostar Gymnasium — the most striking building in the Pseudo-Moorish style, resembling an Oriental palace.
  • City Baths (Banja) — a combination of European functionality and Oriental decor.
  • Spanish Square — the central public space formed around buildings of this era.

Yugoslav Period (1945–1992)

The period of industrialisation led to the active construction of new residential districts, predominantly on the western bank of the Neretva. Architecture became functional, reflecting socialist ideals of progress and urbanisation.

• Style: Modernism, Brutalism, Functionalism.
• Characteristics: Multi-storey panel and monolithic buildings, use of raw concrete, glass, and the creation of wide avenues.
• Iconic Sites:
  • "Razvitak" Department Store (architectural monument of the era) — an example of modernism with elements of traditional stone carving on the facade.
  • Residential High-rises on Avenija — an example of typical modernist housing that shaped the modern look of the residential areas.

Contemporary Era

Today, Mostar combines the careful restoration of its historical heritage (especially in the UNESCO-protected zone) with modern commercial development. New shopping centres (such as Mepas Mall) are built in a high-tech style using glass and metal, creating a contrast with the ancient stone of the Old Town.

Distinguished Figures of Mostar

Mostar has given the world many talented people whose names are forever inscribed in the history of the region. From great architects and poets to politicians and athletes — these individuals shaped the unique cultural code of the city.

• Mimar Hayruddin (16th Century)
  Role: Architect and Engineer
  A student of the great Ottoman architect Sinan. It was he whom Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent entrusted with a seemingly impossible task — to connect the steep banks of the Neretva with a stone arch. The Old Bridge he designed became not just a crossing, but a masterpiece of engineering of its time and an eternal symbol of the city.
• Aleksa Šantić (1868–1924)
  Role: Poet and Public Figure
  The soul of Mostar. One of the most revered lyricists of the Balkans, whose work is permeated with love for his native city, the Neretva River, and the people of Herzegovina. His famous poem "Emina", dedicated to a local beauty, became a folk song (Sevdalinka) that is still performed to this day.
• Mujaga Komadina (1839–1925)
  Role: City Mayor and Philanthropist
  A legendary mayor who held office in the early 20th century. Thanks to his energy and vision, Mostar acquired the features of a European city. He initiated the construction of iconic landmarks such as the Gymnasium, the City Baths, and several bridges, modernising the city's infrastructure.
• Svetozar Ćorović (1875–1919)
  Role: Writer and Playwright
  A contemporary and friend of Šantić, he was the chronicler of Herzegovinian life. In his novels and stories, Ćorović described the daily life, traditions, and characters of Mostar's residents with realism and warmth, turning the city into an important literary centre of the region at the turn of the century.
• Džemal Bijedić (1917–1977)
  Role: Statesman
  A prominent politician who served as Prime Minister of Yugoslavia. He played a key role in the economic development of Herzegovina and the establishment of Mostar as a regional centre. His contribution is immortalised in the name of the city's state university.
• Himzo Polovina (1927–1986)
  Role: Performer of Sevdalinkas and Neuropsychiatrist
  A unique personality who combined medical practice with musical art. Himzo Polovina was a guardian of musical traditions, and his soft and soulful performance of urban romances (Sevdalinkas) is considered the benchmark. His voice is inextricably linked with the atmosphere of old Mostar.
• Vahid Halilhodžić (born 1952)
  Role: Footballer and Coach
  A product of Mostar football who became a star on a global scale. As a player, he shone in the local club "Velež" and in France, and as a coach, he achieved international recognition working with the national teams of various countries.