I visited the city of Mostar in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of my tour in the Balkan countries, and I witnessed its beautiful natural landmarks, including the rocky mountains, green hills, waterfalls, rivers, and magnificent historical and archaeological sites, such as statues, stunning mosques, and ancient bridges. The city also stands out for its cultural and historical diversity, where you can find both Ottoman and Byzantine civilizations coexisting side by side.
I spent a long time on the crowded Stari Most Bridge, which attracts visitors from various countries. It is an ancient bridge dating back to the 16th century, built in the Ottoman style, and it is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the city. The bridge extends over 28 meters above the Neretva River, connecting the two sides of the city. The bridge stood proudly in this area for over 427 years until it was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War. After the war ended, it was rebuilt in 2004 and continues to attract many tourists.
From there, I explored the Mohammed Pasha Kozki Mosque, dating back to 1618 during the Ottoman era. You can enter for a small fee, and outside the mosque, there is a garden area with fountains. There is also a beautiful café nearby where you can relax and enjoy Turkish tea or coffee while watching the charming sunset.
Buča Potokle is located on the left bank of the Neretva River, 30 kilometers outside Mostar. It is an old town dating back to the Middle Ages, still preserving its basic shape to this day. Founded in 1383 by King Stefan Tvrtko I, the fortified city has witnessed many developments between the 16th and 18th centuries, combining its ancient architectural design with Ottoman architecture. The city suffered severe damage during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1996 by Croatian forces, leading to the destruction of many Islamic works of art and architecture. The city was considered in 1996 as one of the 10 cultural sites most at risk, and in 2000, the government placed it under permanent protection. Until today, there are few residents living there, and you can enjoy strolling through the beautiful ruins of the city.
Kravice Waterfalls are one of the enjoyable natural landscapes located 40 kilometers from Mostar. It is an ideal place to spend a beautiful summer day amidst the charming natural scenery. The waterfalls, 25 meters high, pour into a beautiful turquoise lake. The place is frequented by many locals and relatively unknown to tourists, but it is truly a piece of paradise worth visiting. You can swim under the waterfalls and enjoy the refreshing water.
Blagaj Tekke is one of the most prominent landmarks in Mostar, also known as the Dervish Monastery. The building was constructed to host gatherings of Sufi brotherhoods and is a wooden structure located next to the fast-flowing Buna River, which rushes into a dark cave. The building reflects the Ottoman architecture present during this era, and fortunately, this place was not harmed during the Bosnian War, despite the damage inflicted on the city’s buildings.
Source: Gulf Tourism News