Welcome to Ottoman Time Travelers, where we invite you to take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating Islamic history of Mostar. Our walking tours are designed to take you on a journey through the enchanting streets and hidden gems of this historic city, unveiling the captivating tales and architectural wonders of the Ottoman Empire. Guided by knowledgeable experts, you will discover magnificent mosques, ancient bazaars, and explore the rich cultural heritage that still resonates today. Join us for an unforgettable experience as we uncover the secrets of the Ottoman Empire. Explore Mostar’s Islamic past and bring history to life. Come on, let’s embark on a time-traveling adventure together!OLD BRIDGE
According to legend, Sultan Suleiman received numerous complaints from the people of Mostar. The residents requested Sultan Suleiman to build a bridge for easy access. Upon hearing these complaints, Sultan Suleiman ordered the apprentice of Mimar Sinan, the architect Hayrudin Neymare, to construct a bridge. The bridge had to be both beneficial and aesthetically pleasing. If the bridge collapsed under the weight of the people, Neymar would face execution. Therefore, as soon as the architect arrived in Mostar, he began to contemplate how to build the bridge.
Initially, he constructed a small bridge resembling the old one over the Radobolja river. When this bridge remained intact, he started building the actual bridge. The old bridge over the Neretva in Mostar was constructed between 1557 and 1566. Immediately after completing the bridge, Hayrdun Neymar fled from Bosnia out of fear. The old bridge is made of tenelia stone, forming a nearly 29-meter-long and 20-meter-high arch that curves close to a low semicircle. It is characterized by its slim and elegant shape: the profile of the bridge was so slender and high above the water that many found it hard to imagine such a structure could be built from large stone blocks. The color of the bridge is a light shade that changes throughout the day depending on the sunlight.
For years, the bridge has been a source of solace for the people. The old bridge has 99 steps, symbolizing the 99 names of Allah. According to old customs, if a young man wanted to marry, he had to jump off the bridge to prove his love to the girl.
During the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the bridge was partially damaged by the Army of Republika Srpska and the Yugoslav People’s Army. On November 9, 1993, as part of a campaign to bomb and terrorize Mostar, the Croatian Defence Council destroyed the bridge. The previous day, the HVO launched a campaign to destroy the bridge by firing dozens of missiles at its arches and towers, which ended the following day. Additional financial resources were provided by the governments of Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Croatia, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as Bosnian-Herzegovinian authorities. The bridge was rebuilt using materials sourced from the region and Ottoman construction techniques by the Turkish company Er-Bu. Reconstruction began on June 7, 2001, and the bridge was reopened on July 23, 2004. The total cost of reconstruction was $15.5 million.
In July 2005, the bridge was included in UNESCO’s list of protected cultural monuments. Now, the bridge proudly stands as a testament to those who failed to destroy it. Jumping off the bridge still continues but only for entertainment purposes.
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Koski Mehmed Pasha was born in Mostar. During the reign of Grand Vizier Lalo Mehmed Pasha, he served as the military defterdar. After retiring from his duties, Koski Mehmed Pasha lived for another five years and passed away in 1611. The construction of the mosque was completed by his brother Mahmud, who was buried in Mostar, and a tomb was erected for him. The foundation deed also mentions the construction of Koski Mehmed Pasha’s hanikah. To support the mosque and hanikah, this philanthropist left properties in Mostar, Suhodol, and Vrapčići. The inscription regarding the construction of the mosque is carved on a stone plaque measuring 35×65 cm, built above the main entrance of the mosque, and written in Turkish verse.
The mosque belongs to a series of single-room domed mosques with open porticos, stone minarets, and three domes, leaning against the central cube of the building. The central space of the mosque is bounded by stone walls 1.1 m thick, forming a regular cube with external dimensions of 12.6 × 12.6 × 12.5 m. It is covered by a crown dome with a height of 15.25 m. A large and quite recessed dome with a diameter of 10 m sits on top of a circular drum. The transition from the square base of the central part to the circular drum is resolved through angled pendants, broken front-arched half-dome trumpets, and eight spherical triangles. Between the central decoration of the dome with ring patterns, there are five decorative areas shaped like the Sun, consisting of eight fields. At the end of the Sun-shaped decoration, tulip patterns closest to the ring pattern are made. Among the windows on the cube, eight trees are depicted: dogwood, lemon, olive, pear, date palm, cherry, grapevine, and orange trees. Approximately 95% of these trees were distributed on the walls. In addition to the tree motifs on both sides, there are two roses and four carnations in composition with vases; there are 16 vases of roses and 16 carnations around the entire dome. The shade above the pendant end consists of classic Ottoman tulip motifs in a reverse-flat form. The mostly dilapidated painted wall decoration was completely rebuilt on a new basis.
The mosque suffered damage during the war but was repaired after the conflict. It has now been selected as a national monument by UNESCO.
Crooked Bridge
Kriva Ćuprija, or the Crooked Bridge, is located approximately 30 meters west of the Old Bridge, representing its miniature version. It connects the banks of the Radobolje river. The bridge’s arch is semi-circular with a diameter of 8.56 meters. It stands at a height of 4.15 meters and is accessed by stone steps. The Crooked Bridge belongs to the architectural ensemble of the Old Bridge and the Old Town in Mostar, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The architectural integrity of the Mostar bridge has been tested. It remained undamaged during the war and has been standing from the Ottoman period to the present day.
The cathedral in Mostar
The cathedral in Mostar served as the cathedral of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Zahum-Herzegovina and Coastal Diocese from 1873 to 1992. Until the end of the 19th century, it was the largest church in the Balkans. It was destroyed during the war by Croats and Serbs. Reconstruction has recently begun and is expected to be completed in a few more months.
Synagogue:
There used to be a synagogue in Mostar, but it was also destroyed during the war, and authorities did not allow for its reconstruction. Jews are not gathering there now.
Keskin nişancı binası – Sniper tower:
A building you can see the entire Mostar from. Unfortunately, the magnificent view from this building was misused by the Croatian army. Bosniak Muslims were killed from this place. They targeted everyone indiscriminately, without distinguishing between women, the elderly, and children. The building was supposed to be a Bank.
Muslibegović House:
Muslibegović House has been showcasing the Ottoman cultural heritage in Mostar for centuries. The house is a national monument and museum. It was built in the second half of the 18th century, and its original design has been preserved to this day. Located just a minute away from the Karagozbey Mosque and an 8-minute walk from the renovated Old Bridge, the house was commissioned by Mehmed Muslibegović. It has retained its original form and woodcarving, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the Muslibegović family over the centuries. The house contains all original architectural elements, complete with furniture, silver family jewelry, plates, family weapons, the family library, a well-preserved old board, a sword, and a manuscript of the Quran. Documents available for visitors include a project for the reconstruction of the house, decisions of the Sharia court regarding the family’s properties, and the imperial decree appointing one of the Muslibegovićs as an imam. The house consists of a ground floor, first floor, and courtyard, with two sections: one for men and one for women. It is characterized by complete symmetry. Two large arched openings under the balconies allow nature and courtyard life to intertwine with the interior. The complex includes two courtyards: one for the farm and servants, and one for the family, which contains a house and a cookhouse. Muslibegović family house is considered one of the most important examples of Ottoman Herzegovina residential architecture. The complex has preserved its original use and ownership of the house over the years. Today, the Muslibegović family house serves as a museum and hotel.
Karađozbegova Mosque:
Karagoz bey mosque or Zaim Hacci Mehmed bey mosque is one of the largest mosques in Mostar. It was built by Karagoz Bey in the 1550s. It was built with the project of the famous construction architect of the Ottoman, architect Sinan. It is the only work of Sinan in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Karagoz Bey was not only one of the respected bey of the Ottomans but also the brother of Grand Vizier Rustem Pasha. After the mosque, a madrasa, school, and baths were built. Karagozbey Mosque is a dome-bottom mosque with a gallery with small domes and a minaret decorated with pendants under the dome. One of the remarkable features of Karagoz Bey Mosque is the intricate geometric patterns that adorn its interior and exterior. Inspired by Islamic art, these designs not only serve as decorative elements but also symbolize the complex unity in Islamic belief. The fascinating interplay of ceramics and calligraphy tells a visual story of dedication and creativity, turning each visit into an exploration of cultural heritage. Moreover, the dome and minaret of the mosque reflect the splendor of Ottoman architecture. The dome, symbolizing the unity of the heavens and Allah, creates a sense of spiritual elevation in worshippers. Karagoz Bey Mosque has not come down easily from the Ottoman period to the present day. It suffered significant damage during World War II, and due to the communist rule in the country after the war, it was not repaired. Our mosque suffered great damage from Serbian and Croatian soldiers in Bosnia’s recent war. The restoration of the mosque began between 2002 and 2004. Today, the mosque is open for worship and continues to enchant everyone who comes to Mostar with its grandeur. In the mosque, you can see ancient and original marbling and calligraphy art, and we also exhibit a Quran from the 14th century.
