Sarajevo history

The history of modern Sarajevo dates back to the mid-15th century, with the arrival of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. The city was founded around 1462 by the first Ottoman governor of Bosnia, Isa-Beg Ishaković. It was he who laid the core of the future city by building key structures: a mosque, a covered market (bazaar), a public bath (hammam), and a bridge over the Miljacka River. It is believed that the city's name comes from the Turkish word "saray," meaning "palace," in honor of the governor's residence around which the settlement expanded.

Several important factors contributed to the rapid development of Sarajevo. Its strategically advantageous location in the valley of the Miljacka River, surrounded by mountains, provided natural protection and control over trade routes. Thanks to this, the city quickly turned into a bustling trade hub connecting the East (Istanbul) and the West (Dubrovnik and Venice), where silk, spices, metals, and local handicrafts were actively traded. Soon after its founding, Sarajevo became the capital of the Sanjak of Bosnia (a province of the Ottoman Empire), which strengthened its political and economic significance in the region.

From the very beginning, Sarajevo formed as a unique multinational and multi-confessional center. For centuries, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and Jews have coexisted peacefully here, earning the city the unofficial title of the "European Jerusalem". The economic foundation was served by thriving crafts and lively trade, concentrated in the old market district of Baščaršija. This district remains the historical and cultural heart of the city today. The architecture of that period reflected Ottoman traditions, creating a unique appearance that has been partially preserved to this day.

Key Events in the History of Sarajevo

The history of Sarajevo is a kaleidoscope of eras and cultures that have left their mark on the city's appearance and character. From the Ottoman foundation to the Olympic triumph and the challenging trials of modern times, each period has contributed to the unique chronicle of the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ottoman Period

• Around 1462 — Ottoman governor Isa-Beg Ishaković founds the city, which receives the name Bosna-Saray and becomes an administrative center.
• 1521–1541 — The "Golden Age" under the rule of Gazi Husrev-beg, who builds mosques, madrasas, and markets, turning Sarajevo into a prosperous trade center.
• 1697 — The city was captured and burned by Austrian troops under the command of Prince Eugene of Savoy, leading to a temporary decline.

Austro-Hungarian Period

• 1878 — By decision of the Congress of Berlin, Sarajevo comes under Austro-Hungarian administration, beginning an era of industrialization and Europeanization.
• 1885 — One of the first electric trams in Europe is launched in the city, becoming a symbol of modernization.
• June 28, 1914 — The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, which became the formal pretext for the start of World War I.

Yugoslav Period

• 1918 — Sarajevo becomes part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia.
• 1945 — The city becomes the capital of the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the federal Yugoslavia (SFRY).
• February 8, 1984 — The XIV Winter Olympic Games are solemnly opened in Sarajevo, bringing the city worldwide fame.

Modern History

• April 5, 1992 — The siege of Sarajevo began, becoming the longest siege of a capital city in modern military history.
• February 29, 1996 — The official end of the siege of the city in accordance with the Dayton Agreement, which put an end to the war.
• 2014 — The restoration of the famous Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica) was completed, marking an important stage in the city's post-war revival.

Major Development Milestones

The history of Sarajevo is a journey from an Ottoman trading settlement to a modern European capital. Each era brought radical changes in urban planning, economy, and culture, turning the city into a unique fusion of civilizations in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Foundation and formation of the commercial core (15th century). The laying of the city's foundation by Isa-Beg Ishaković through the system of waqfs (charitable endowments). The construction of mosques, hammams, and caravanserais created a base for trade development and attracted the first settlers, forming the recognizable structure of the Old Town.
• Golden age of craft guilds (16th century). In the era of Gazi Husrev-beg, the city established itself as a powerful economic center. The development of more than 80 craft specializations and the strict organization of guilds made it a crucial trade hub on the route from Istanbul to Central Europe.
• Industrial breakthrough of Austria-Hungary (late 19th century). The arrival of the new administration was marked by the introduction of European urban planning standards. The appearance of the railway, a tobacco factory, and the launch of the electric tram in 1885 became symbols of technological progress and integration into the Western economy.
• Urbanization of the Yugoslav period (after 1945). Large-scale expansion of the city to the west and the construction of residential districts (Novo Sarajevo, Alipašino Polje). The creation of industrial giants in the automotive and energy sectors ensured rapid economic growth and population influx.
• Olympic modernization (1984). Hosting the XIV Winter Olympic Games became a catalyst for renewing the entire infrastructure. The construction of ski resorts, hotels, and the modernization of the airport not only increased international prestige but also laid the foundation for modern tourism potential.
• Post-conflict reconstruction and modernity (21st century). The restoration of iconic cultural landmarks, such as the National Library (Vijećnica), symbolized the rebirth of the city. The appearance of modern skyscrapers (Avaz Twist Tower) and shopping centers marked the transition to a service economy and a new stage of urbanism.

The architectural appearance of Sarajevo is a unique layering of eras, where Eastern motifs harmoniously intertwine with Western European styles, creating a one-of-a-kind cityscape. Each historical milestone has left its mark in stone, forming the image of a city often called the "European Jerusalem" for its cultural diversity.

Ottoman Period (15th–19th centuries)

The urban planning core of Sarajevo was laid during the Ottoman era. This period is characterized by a typical Eastern urban structure with a central commercial district and narrow streets of residential quarters (mahalas) radiating from it. The architecture reflected the functionality and traditions of the Islamic world.

• Style: Classical Ottoman architecture. Key features include domed mosques with minarets, covered markets (bezistans), inns (khans), public baths (hammams), and fountains.
• Iconic landmarks: The heart of the city is the Baščaršija district — the old bazaar that has preserved its historical charm. Located here are masterpieces such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (1531), considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman sacral architecture in the Balkans, and the Sebilj fountain, which has become a symbol of the city.

Austro-Hungarian Period (1878–1918)

With the arrival of Austria-Hungary, a period of rapid Europeanization began. The city was enriched with new architectural styles, and its layout became more ordered. It was during this time that Sarajevo acquired its famous look as a "crossroads of cultures."

• Styles: Historicism (Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic), but the most vividly manifested were the Vienna Secession (Art Nouveau) and the unique Neo-Moorish style. The latter was an attempt to create a special "Bosnian style," combining Moorish and Islamic motifs with European forms.
• Iconic landmarks: The main symbol of the era is the City Hall (Vijećnica), executed in a lavish Neo-Moorish style. Other important buildings include the Main Post Office and numerous buildings along the embankment in the Secession style, the Sacred Heart Cathedral (Neo-Gothic), and the Ashkenazi Synagogue (Neo-Moorish style).

Yugoslav Period and Socialist Modernism (1945–1992)

After World War II, Sarajevo, as the capital of a republic within Yugoslavia, experienced rapid growth. The architecture of this time was subordinated to ideas of functionalism, industrialization, and solving housing issues.

• Styles: Socialist modernism and Brutalism. They are characterized by strict geometric forms, the use of concrete, glass, and steel, as well as the creation of large residential estates and public buildings.
• Iconic landmarks: Bright examples include the former Holiday Inn hotel (arch. Ivan Štraus), built for the '84 Olympics, the "Momo and Uzeir" twin towers, as well as residential districts like Grbavica and Alipašino Polje.

Modern Architecture (since 1996)

The post-war period was marked not only by the large-scale restoration of historical buildings but also by the appearance of new architectural landmarks reflecting global trends.

• Style: Postmodernism and contemporary architecture with active use of glass and metal.
• Iconic landmarks: The most notable structure is the Avaz Twist Tower skyscraper, the tallest building in the Balkans, with its unusual twisted shape. Large business and shopping centers, such as the Sarajevo City Center, have also changed the urban landscape, adding a modern metropolitan polish.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Sarajevo

Sarajevo has given the world and been home to many outstanding figures whose contributions to history, science, and art are recognized internationally. The city has become a cradle for Nobel laureates, world-famous directors, musicians, and iconic historical figures.

• Isa-Beg Ishaković (died 1470) — Ottoman military commander and the first governor of Bosnia. Considered the founder of Sarajevo. In the mid-15th century, he laid the core of the city by building a mosque, a market, a bathhouse, and a bridge, which marked the beginning of the development of a future major center.
• Gazi Husrev-beg (1480–1541) — An outstanding Ottoman governor of Bosnia. His rule is called the "Golden Age" of Sarajevo. He built many key facilities, including the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, a madrasa, and a library, turning the city into a thriving economic and cultural hub.
• Gavrilo Princip (1894–1918) — A member of the "Young Bosnia" organization. He entered world history by assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, which became the formal pretext for the start of World War I.
• Ivo Andrić (1892–1975) — Yugoslav writer, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1961. Although born in Travnik, his youth and gymnasium studies were spent in Sarajevo. This city and the history of Bosnia as a whole had a huge influence on his work.
• Vladimir Prelog (1906–1998) — A distinguished organic chemist born in Sarajevo. In 1975, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research in the field of the stereochemistry of organic molecules and reactions.
• Emir Kusturica (born 1954) — A world-renowned film director, actor, and musician born in Sarajevo. Two-time winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. His early films, which brought him fame, were shot in his hometown.
• Goran Bregović (born 1950) — One of the most famous musicians and composers of the Balkans, born in Sarajevo. He gained world fame as the founder of the rock band Bijelo Dugme and the composer of music for many films, including those by Emir Kusturica.
• Danis Tanović (born 1969) — Bosnian film director and screenwriter. His debut film "No Man's Land" (2001), dedicated to the events of the Bosnian War, won the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Foreign Language Film, bringing him international recognition.