Thru the Lens: Sarajevo
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city steeped in history, both ancient and recent. The city was founded in the 1400s by the Ottoman Empire, later became a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and after that a part of Yugoslavia. Around 100 years ago, Franz Ferdinand’s assassination near the Latin Bridge marked the beginning of WWI. 20 years ago, the city was under siege for 43 months during the wars following the breakup of Yugoslavia. If not for the courageous citizens of the city and the tunnel that they built, the city would’ve been lost.
Walking around the old part of town, it’s common to see a mosque, church, and Jewish temple within blocks of each other. Sarajevo continues to be a place where different cultures mix and live together in harmony. It’s also one of the fastest growing cities in the region, as evidenced by all the shiny new buildings in the new part of town.
Practical Info Sarajevo is well connected to cities in the region via bus and in some cases via train (Belgrade, Mostar, Zagreb). The airport has connections to several different cities around Europe. The official currency is the marka (KM) is which is pegged to the euro at 1 EUR = 1.95 KM.
Men playing chess in one of the city squares.
The Latin Bridge
Books were also victims of the war for independence.
The Eternal Flame, a memorial for WWII
The spot where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated.
The famous Hotel Europa
Inside the cathedral
A restored government building.
Inside the main post office, once used for galas and balls.
A memorial to the children lost during the war for independence.
Avaz Twist Tower, the tallest building in the country
The international airport, where the Tunnel of Hope was built under.
The rail station in the early morning hours.
A standard train cabin.